Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:1-3

The Apostle Paul has given us many truths, examples, and goals for the Christian life, now is the time to make application in real life. Two women that worked with Paul in the past in the gospel are having conflict with one another. This conflict is affecting the church. It appears that these women have served in the church for many years. We are not told what the conflict was about, but it was serious enough for Paul to address it.

Paul beseeches Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. He also intreats the ‘true yokefellow’ (the pastor?) to help these ladies, whose names are in the book of life. For Christians in the church there are no irreconcilable differences. Each of these ladies has been teaching others how to reconcile with God through the gospel. Now Paul is beseeching them to reconcile with each other.

Christians are not immune to conflict, and you know what it is when you are part of it or are experiencing it around you. We need to take the initiative to resolve conflict. It should not be allowed to fester in a church, that is why Paul doesn’t ignore it. It must be dealt with in a gospel manner.

Most interpersonal problems are spiritual problems. We are directed to stand fast in the Lord and to be of the same mind ‘in the Lord.’ Previously Paul has said, Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

We must evaluate our own spiritual health and make sure of our spiritual walk with the Lord. We must be of one mind with the Lord before we can be of one mind with others. We may also need a pastor or spiritual leader who can help in the reconciliation process. God overcomes that which pride would destroy. God gives us power through the fruit of the (Spirit Galatians 5:22-25) and through spiritual discernment to be peacemakers. Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Remember that the other person should be ‘dearly beloved’ by all in the church.

Because …

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Then …

Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry