“I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, to help these women who have worked with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Always rejoice in the Lord. Again, I will say, rejoice! Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:2-4, 6-7 KJV
It is a common thing for us to look for scripture verses that will give us strength and comfort when we are going through a difficult time.
When we need wisdom and guidance, where do we go? Hope the Bible. I guess it’s just as common when we want to celebrate a new birth, a wedding, a graduation, or some other life milestone.
After all, the Word of God is full of promises that remind us of his presence and that he shares our joy as well as our pain.
Today we look at several verses written by the apostle, which encourage believers to strive for unity as they serve together. Obviously, there was some kind of conflict between two ladies named Euodia and Syntyche.
In fact, the conflict had attracted enough attention to reach the ears of Paul, who was writing from Rome while under house arrest.
Notice verse 2 again: “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord.”
Paul used the word “implores” or “implores” when addressing the two women by name. He could have chosen a more authoritative word. He probably would have if he were still ministering as a member of the rabbinical elite, but not now.
Not after receiving one of the greatest acts of grace of all time, no, he extended to these ladies what he himself had received. So he used the strongest word in his vocabulary to make a plea from his heart.
Paul was saying, “I beseech you to unite yourselves in unity for the sake of the kingdom which Christ died to save.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. —Matthew 5:9.
Paul was the only apostle who was not present that day. In fact, he was an absolute enemy of Christ at that time, but here he pleads for peace and unity between two women who are deeply hurt or angry at each other.
Reconciliation is possible in all situations as long as both are ready. This is why Paul could not command them. It had to come from within their willing hearts.
Is there a long-overlooked matter of forgiveness that needs to take place in your life? Is there a broken relationship that needs your attention?
Ultimately, it’s a matter of the heart. In this case, your heart.
Dr. Dennis Cagle is the founder of Xaltm LLC who has been a pastor for 36 years and currently works as a church consultant. He is a former resident of McMinn County and current resident of Tellico Plains. He can be contacted at xaltm@yahoo.com
Dr. Dennis Cagle is the founder of Xaltm LLC who has been a pastor for 36 years and currently works as a church consultant. He is a former resident of McMinn County and current resident of Tellico Plains. He can be contacted at xaltm@yahoo.com
