An Appeal for Reconciliation

Scripture:

Phil. 4:2   I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Observation:

Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi has been about unity. Now, in a highly unusual act, he specifically names two women. That he knows them by name means that they are friends, co-workers whom he has come to know well. Evidently they had been in disagreement, possibly regarding the work of the church in Philippi. Just as Paul began this letter with an appeal to the entire congregation to “be of one mind,” and to have the “mind of Christ,” he specifically urges these two women to be “of the same mind.” This is not just some kind of superficial healing of the relationship, but what he desires is for both of them to live a life that is patterned after Jesus Christ. 

Women had played a significant role in leadership in the church in Philippi, and the reference to these two women only emphasizes this fact. We don’t know who the loyal companion is but he believes so much in the work of these women and the power of God revealed in their unity, that he requests the companion to help them. These women have worked hard beside Paul in spreading the good news about Jesus Christ. 

Not only have they worked with Paul, but they have also worked with others who would now be citizens of heaven. The Roman cities kept log books where the names of those who dwelled in the city were kept. They also kept a record of the legal status of each individual. Paul is reminding them that their names are now in the “book of life,” which represents documentation as to their heavenly citizenship. This kind of a conflict ”is out of character for citizens of the heavenly commonwealth, who await a Savior from heaven” (Flemming, NBBC, 287-288. see Fee 1995, 396–97). Therefore, every effort must be made for them to be reconciled.

Application:

There is nothing new about two people in a church having differing opinions. The problem unfolds when the differences begin to create a divide that threatens the entire congregation. What may have started out as varied perspectives on something suddenly grows until there is a visible division. As each person becomes entrenched in their position, they begin to see the matter through their own lens, and theirs alone. No longer is there a focus on knowing the mind of Christ, for that would require humility, but instead, there is a firm stance of “holding your ground.” 

Division in the body of Christ comes when we refuse to humble ourselves before the Lord. Throughout this entire letter Paul has reminded his readers that Jesus is to be the pattern. He outlined the humility of Christ, his willingness to empty himself of all power and authority and share it with all of us. Jesus didn’t stubbornly hold his ground against his father, but he was in the Father and the Father was in him, and therefore he did the will of the Father. This mutual participation reflected the unity found in the Triune God was to be seen in the relationships in the church. 

The polarization of our world has the potential of ripping the church in two. There is nothing that would please the enemy more than to see the church divided. I believe that’s what was breaking Paul’s heart as well, for these were his beloved co-workers and the enemy was winning the day. The witness of the church was being affected by their lack of unity. When members of the church today begin to attack one another on social media the only winner is the enemy. Public arguments will never lead to reconciliation, but will serve to destroy the witness of the church. No wonder Paul cried out, “somebody help these people!” 

The pathway for reconciliation is humbling and therefore not often traveled. Submitting our attitudes, opinions, and desires to the mind of Christ is not easy, but it is the beginning of a divine journey that is empowered and driven by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The pattern of Christ can be followed, and reconciliation can ensue for those who are willing to be “of the same mind in the Lord.” 

The world is divided, but the church can be united, when found in Christ. If there is division, work on the pathway to reconciliation. Help those who are divided and be an agent that God uses to bring together those who have drifted apart. 

 Prayer:

Lord, may I be found in you today, and tomorrow, and for the remainder of my life. May reconciliation always be an option. Amen.