Confronting the Conflict D08062021

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CASNFCI SCRIPTURE & PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Confronting the Conflict

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. — Philippians 4:2.

One of the things that our attention was drawn upon as we study through the history of the early church was that letters to churches were probably first to read aloud at a worship gathering.

What was the feeling like for Euodia and Syntyche hearing their names read in connection with a conflict publicly? Embarrassed! I don’t know. But Paul mentioned their names. For some reason, they had had a falling out, and it looks as everyone knew about it. Perhaps these two had not spoken to each other in a while, and they tended to avoid each other. Even, if they were not talking, others likely were talking about them so it’s no surprise that Paul himself had heard about it.

Most congregations have a scenario or two in which some members nurse a grudge against one another. Sadly, in some situations, people conclude that there’s no fixing to it, so they resolve to put up with it. “I’m not stepping into the middle of that one!” we might say, But Paul stepped in.

We cannot be united in Christ and yet be at odds with one another. Strained relationships may not be easy to repair. But we are called to righteousness therefore it is binding on us to reach out and play our parts and live the fixing to the Holy Spirit.

As Paul puts it, it’s not just about having the same mind but having the same mind “in the Lord.” The Lord himself is involved with our disagreements, and we need to resolve them for his sake.

PRAYER

Lord, you know our conflicts with others. Give us the courage to address it all in truth for your glory. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Rev. Isaac G. Y Bangalu Founder & CE

Couples & Singles Network for Christ Initiative

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