Euodia and Syntyche: Reconciliation For the Sake of the Gospel
"I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 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 coworkers, whose names are in the book of life." Philippians 4:2-3 NRSV
Series: Philippians: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Transformation
Devotional: 4 of 5
What would cause Paul to make such a heartfelt appeal to Euodia and Syntyche, choosing to address them both by name in his letter? Two women who had once struggled side by side with him to advance the Gospel message. Although not much is known about these two prominent members of the church in Philippi, an unresolved disagreement had likely driven a wedge between them. Genuinely concerned, Paul urges the two women to reconcile their differences for the sake of the Gospel and the spiritual health of the community.
In much the same way that Paul appeals to Euodia and Syntyche to be reconciled, Christ continues to call His Church into a time of reconciliation. A time for all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior "to be of the same mind." A time to take on the posture of a humble servant, willingly setting aside our own agendas and preferences. And a time to fall on our knees in repentance for the many ways that we as His bride have allowed anger, pride, and jealousy to divide us.
Philippians 1:27 NRSV paints a beautiful picture of what our lives as Jesus' disciples are to look like. Together we are called to work "side by side with one mind for the faith of the Gospel." Working together in unity as servants of King Jesus, we are far less likely to fall into the cultural trap of "pursuing our own interests" for the sake of our own little kingdom here on earth.
How many fractured relationships, broken marriages, and severed churches could have been avoided if we as Christ's witnesses were to live "in humility regarding others as better than [ourselves]?" (See Philippians 2:3 NRSV) From this posture of surrender, we acknowledge our default tendency toward selfish ambition, choosing instead to become like Jesus, who humbled himself "becoming obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross." (See Philippians 2:8 NRSV)
In an often critical and competitive world, a life characterized by gentleness stands out as a light in the darkness. Gentleness is a mark of a mature Christian and the fruit of a life lived in close proximity to Christ. In the presence of the Lord, we begin to see others the way He sees them, through His eyes of compassion, tenderness, and love. (See Philippians 4:5 NRSV)
Today, take a few moments to get quiet before the Lord. In His presence, is there a name or face that comes to your mind, a person that you need to be reconciled to? If so, what would it look like for you to take the first step toward reconciliation for the sake of the Gospel?
OnThe3rdDay Devotionals
Devotionals that illustrate Biblical principles in a simple and short format that can be applied to your everyday life.
RECOMMENDED READING
This is an affiliate link. Any purchase you might make helps support the ministry of OnThe3rdDay at no cost to you.
