Lesson 21: Joy’s unity
Philippians 4:1-23 – www.bible.com/bible/59/php.4
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
*How do you respond to another believer with whom you have a difference of opinion or a disagreement?
In this church of Philippi two women had a disagreement with each other. Since they had not been able to resolve their differences, Paul asked the leader of the church to step in to help them attain this peace.
What was Jesus’ solution for Christians in disagreement with each other? First, we read Matthew 18:15-20 where Jesus said we keep disagreements between just us and the other person involved whenever possible. If this is not possible, then we take it to one or two leaders from the church along with us to try to work out the problem. If it can’t be worked out, then the problem is taken before the church so the church can hear both sides and the disagreement doesn’t damage the church through gossip. In the verses following in Matthew 18, Jesus brings in the principle of forgiveness. Forgiveness is never about feelings – it is always and only about choosing to obey Jesus.
We as the church, the believers/followers of Jesus Christ, are to love each other (see John 13:34; 15:12; and 1 John 3:23). Love does not mean we must agree on everything, but sometimes we must agree to disagree and keep on loving each other anyway. If the disagreement is about anything which is basic to Christian faith, then it is perhaps better for you and the person with whom you are in disagreement to go to your pastor together to learn what the Bible has to say on the subject in other Scriptures than where the two of you are reading – for the Bible will never contradict itself. So, if two of us are disagreeing, neither of us has seen all the Bible has to say on the subject.
One last Scripture to keep in mind is Romans 2:24. Disagreements between followers of Jesus are much too often the cause of blasphemy against God by those who are not followers of Jesus. God warns us here to never allow anything to come between us as believers which will cause others around us to blaspheme God’s name because of us. Only His love in our hearts, followed by our obedience to forgive each other, can keep this from happening. Our unity of Spirit brings us joy which this world cannot touch.