Philippians 4:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 4:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 4Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. Verse 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Verse 3Yes, 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 co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Verse 4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Verse 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Verse 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Verse 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Verse 8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Verse 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Devotion
So, the good news is that the early church had female leaders! The bad news is that these two, Euodia and Syntyche, were not getting along. But what's new? Disagreements in congregations have always existed and still do today. Though the cause of the misunderstanding is unclear, these two women needed some help to reach a resolution. Paul, in this letter, is encouraging reconciliation between them and asking the brothers and sisters to come to their aid.
Think, for a moment, of some of the people in your church who tend to lock horns. Pray a prayer of reconciliation and healing for them. Let your gentleness be known to them. Ask others to join you in your prayers and keep your eyes open for signs of wholeness restored in these relationships! Then rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding!
Prayer
Reconciling God, Spirit of Gentleness, blow through the people of your church. Where relationships are broken, mend them. Lead us to rejoice with grateful hearts in your healing peace. Amen.