January 11, 2018 - - Philippians 4:2 Begging to be forgiving and forgiven
/I implore Euodia and Syntyche
to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Philippians 4:2 NKJV
Face facts: Christians will argue and disagree. Even the Apostle Paul had a huge disagreement with Barnabas (Acts 15:39). They parted ways for a while. Yet we read in the Bible that the reason they parted ways, over their difference of opinion on the trustworthiness of John Mark, was addressed. Paul was reconciled with John Mark and speaks of him as a comfort (Colossians 4:10 and II Timothy 4:11).
Paul was strongly urging the women Euodia and Syntyche to work together once again. It is the sign that that Christ has come and His victory is sure--our old hostilities are broken down in the light of the cross of Christ. We humble ourselves and find in Him no cause for the "high moral ground" or boasting. We are all sinners, together in need of His mercy. As such, we are then able to forgive and receive forgiveness even after great wounds. It is what causes the world to proclaim in wonder: "See how they love one another!"
As I read these words from Paul to the congregation at Philippi, urging the congregation to help these woman be reconciled I keenly feel the weight of this urgent appeal in my own life. My heart is open to my former denomination, the Christian Reformed Church in North America. There have been terrible wounds and a hard falling out. But I hear and feel the impact of Paul's words, written so long ago, reaching out across the centuries, which now find their bulls-eye in my conscience: to be of the same mind, be reconciled in Christ.
Recently I was in a grocery store and one of the members of my former church board was there as well. He clearly saw me, but turned away--both of us were embarrassed and uncomfortable. It should not be! God, who began a good work in us in Christ, will by His Spirit see it to completion.
As long as brothers in Christ are not reconciled, there is the need for Paul's pray to continually be taken up on the lips of believers everywhere: "I pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9-10).
I plead with you, in so far as you are able, make things right. If you know a brother or sister is offended with you or by you: pray for reconciliation. Let God have no rest but urgently beg Him by your prayers and tears for the glory of the gospel that in Jesus Christ you will find peace that grows under His gracious governance of your lives.
For the record, I do work to make things right. It won't mean I will return to my former denomination; it does mean when I happen to meet with people at the grocery store, or some other place, for the sake of Christ we will meet as brothers. If anyone on FB who knows the situations can be of help, send a personal message to me. Pray. Encourage me and my fellow believers to be reconciled in Christ.
God our Father, source of all grace and peace in Christ, I pray that my love may abound still more and more in knowledge and discernment, so that I may approve the things that are excellent that I may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ's return in glory. By Your Spirit make the way open for true peace with my offended family members in Christ. I fully acknowledge all and every sin is ever, always first against Your Majesty and glory and only secondarily an offense against a brother or sister. The great commandment teaches me to love You with all I am and all I have and to love my neighbour as myself. In showing love to neighbour I am visibly demonstrating my love for You. Forgive my sins. Forgive my stubbornness. Grant me a greater capacity to forgive and to be humble to receive forgiveness whenever it is offered. By Your Spirit and the Word You have planted in my heart, increase my love for You and make this visible in the way in which I love my neighbour. Amen.
