Thursday, August 20, 2015
The 4th Chapter of the book of Philippians is very instructive and helpful and a favorite of many Christians, many of it's verses being often repeated by memory. There is, however, a troubling verse in it, namely verse 2 which reads: "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other
in the Lord." The Bible does not tell us the nature of the disagreement between these two ladies but the matter was serious enough in the eyes of the Apostle Paul that he would plead with them to be of the same mind. When he exhorted the church two verses later to rejoice in the Lord, he realized that it would have been difficult for that body of believers to truly rejoice if two of it's members were at variance with each other.
Paul added that these two ladies had been very helpful to him in his ministry and considered them a vital part of his work in the gospel, reminding us that disputes and quarrels can occur even among faithful church members. It should be obvious to all of us that the Devil would like nothing better that to see divisions and strife in the family of God, knowing that it's effectiveness can be greatly minimized by it.
Because of the love of Christ that lives within us, there is absolutely no reason why we cannot be reconciled to someone we have been at odds with. God's grace is strong enough to help us say "I'm sorry" even if we have to do it grudgingly, especially when we believe we are in the "right." If you have had an experience which distanced you from a fellow believer or loved one, do them and yourself and them a favor by patching things up with them. If you do it in the love of Christ, it will not be as hard as you envision it now. One more thing: Paul asked a certain member of the Philippian church to help these women, apparently to see what he could do to bring them back together. Maybe that message is for one of you today. Perhaps you know two dear souls who have had a falling out. In your case too, with Jesus helping you, that is not such a daunting task as you may imagine. After all, Jesus did indicate in His Sermon on the Mount, that God's true children are "peacemakers." (See Matthew 5:9) Where can you go "help" someone today?
Memory Verse for the week: (Philippians 4:7) "And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."