13th October 2023

The sweet fragrance of reconciliation

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1 (NIVUK)

The church at Philippi was started by women (Acts 16:14-16, 40), and, as we examine the growth of Christianity, women have played a significant role in the church’s development: ‘from Mary’s song of Magnificat (Luke 1:46); from the women joining in the Upper Room prayer meeting (Acts 1:14)…from these onward, the Church has owed a debt she can never adequately repay for all her women’s sacrifices, service, and sympathy.’ ¹ But the Philippian church, which had been started by women, was now being torn apart because of two women: Euodia (‘sweet fragrance’) and Syntyche (‘affable’). The trouble was that they were not living up to the meaning of their names, and there was little sacrifice, service, or sympathy.  

How Paul deals with this dispute is instructive for us today in dealing with such problems. First of all, notice how, in the header scripture, he addresses all the Philippian members, including the two women in question: they were all brothers and sisters – they were Paul’s spiritual family; he loved them, longed for them, and regarded them as dear friends – above all he valued the people; he called them his joy – it was his pleasure to minister to them, and finally they were his crown – they were people who made his ministry worthwhile.

These are incredible things to say about two women who were at loggerheads, but it demonstrates that Paul felt it was important to encourage them rather than let rip at them for their dispute. Having laid this positive foundation, Paul then gives the grounds for them to resolve their contention, and the key to resolving their conflict was their unity in Jesus Christ. 

They were to stand firm in the Lord (Philippians 4:1), knowing that they had unity in salvation because both their names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life (v.3). This was Paul’s way of affirming their standing as fellow believers in the body of Christ. They were to have ‘the same mind in the Lord’ (v.2) which is to have Christ’s humble heart of sacrificial service (Philippians 2:5-11), and Paul affirmed that they had served with him in the advancement of the gospel (Philippians 4:3). And they were to rejoice in the Lord (v.4), because despite their current circumstances their sins had been forgiven; they had been reconciled to God; they had received the gift of the Spirit, and have fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus is coming again and one day they shall be like him, and shall see him as he is. They shall spend an eternity in the purest worship and in consummated holiness, enjoying him forever – so rejoice, don’t argue, be reconciled and not in disharmony with one another.

What a wonderful way to approach a conflict in the church. Affirm the value and worth of the individuals and all that they have together in the Lord Jesus Christ, and as conflicts are resolved affably it will be a sweet fragrance that fills the church. 

Prayer
Loving Father, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with our spirits as we aim to live in peace and harmony with one another, Amen.

Study by Barry Robinson

¹ Guy H. King, Joy Way, 90-91.

About the writer:
Barry Robinson is a minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Pastor for Southern England, the Midlands, and Wales

Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
NW6 2BA

Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm

Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church