October 17, 2024
Getting along with one another as part of the family of God is not a bonus or secondary value. In the middle of his final section of Philippians, Paul speaks to this, calling out some specific people who are not living peacefully in the church.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Philippians 4:1-5
If you are familiar with the Bible, the final verses in this section may be familiar to you. How do you read Paul’s encouragement to “always be full of joy in the Lord” just after he reminded the church (and two specific people) to settle their disagreements? How might our relationships with one another impact our joy?
As Paul repeats himself in telling them to rejoice, he also reminds them that this is part of their witness to everyone. In another translation (New Testament for Everyone), verse 5 says, “Let everybody know how gentle and gracious you are.” How might your joy bless someone else today?
Practice: Is there someone with whom you need to make peace? What is one thing you can do to initiate peace and joy in that relationship? If you’re unsure, take some time to pray humbly and listen.