Euodia & Syntyche: Implored to Agree

"I ask Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord. And, I ask you, my faithful friend to help these women." Philippians 4:2-3a (NCV)

What a blessing it is to have faithful and Godly friends and family. It is encouraging to take the hand of a struggling friend and understand together how God can use tough times to grow us in our faith. There is joy when we share in ministry together. We find strength in the example of others who walk steadfast in the Lord.

Euodia and Syntyche are two woman who must have been close friends. Paul states that they had labored with him in the gospel. It is likely they were faithful and capable leaders in the church and, as women, they probably had a special ministry reaching women and children for Christ. But like us, they were human. At some point there must have been a quarrel. They stopped pulling together and were equally at fault. Their example in leadership was damaged.

Unfortunately, this is still a problem in our churches today. Ministry demands working with people. In our human flesh, we are incapable of constant peace and unity. Therein lays the opportunity for discord and broken relationships. Godly people can lose perspective and become involved in a personal dispute. Also, it is important to remember the rest of the church is threatened when there is unresolved conflict between members.

Euodia and Syntyche had a disagreement, and Paul heard about it while he was in prison. He did not get involved in the dilemma or take sides with either one of the women. He simply asked them to agree in the Lord. Conflict between believers is not consistent with God's Word. Usually it is a product of stubborn pride and selfish ambition. By asking others to help the women, he obstructed gossip and encouraged forgiveness and unity. Christians should be able to resolve differences and preserve peace and unity in a natural way. It should be uncomplicated when we are willing to give up our self-interest and personal recognition.

Paul has a simple remedy for us in his letter to the Philippians. Joy. He tells us in verse 4 to be full of joy always. When things are going badly, when we feel like complaining, when we think we are alone, we have to remember Christ still reigns. When we know him, we can rejoice. Joy does not come from outward conditions, it comes from inward strength. Our joy can be so deep within us no person or circumstance can reach that far to grasp it from us.

Joy in the Lord can be our foundation for agreement and unity. Our dispute should never be with fellow believers but only against the enemy, Satan. When we are unified in love, the strength of Christ is abundant. Teamwork, consideration of others, and unselfishness should be our goals and the outcome will be joy, love, and kindness.

Are you in a dispute with a friend or Christian co-worker? Are you seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, or are you allowing Satan to feed the quarrel? Are you contributing to a conflict between others, or are you helping them to reconcile?

Give up your right-to-be-right and agree with each other in the Lord.

Lord, forgive us when we give in to self and demand our own way. Help us to remember it brings conflict and we dishonor You. Thank you for forgiveness and joy, and may we have a heart to serve with others in agreement.

Janet Stutzman