“Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 (CSB)

When we’re around each other, why is it so tense?

I was trying to make sense of a strained relationship with a sister in Christ. We weren’t mean to each other, but we were definitely less than cordial.

Maybe the tension is due to something we don’t see eye to eye on.

We had stood together during many trials, lifting one another up in prayer and fasting. Now we didn’t want to be around each other … and that was just the way the enemy wanted it.

Believers disagreeing is nothing new to the Church. In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he said, “In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends” (Philippians 4:1, CSB). Why “stand firm”? Was something causing the Church to be shaky?

Yes: dissension and division. Disagreement was impacting the mission of Christ.

Paul then wrote directly to two of those who were arguing, not passively hoping the issue would resolve nor talking behind their backs but instead speaking in love:

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:2-3, CSB).

Paul pleaded with these women, and the entire Church, to focus on what believers have in common: We contend for the gospel together. Paul also urged the Philippian believers in the opening of his letter, “Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ … standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27, CSB, emphases added). Paul used the word “one” over and over again to bring focus to unity in Jesus.

What matters most is what we agree on: Jesus, who has forgiven our sin and written our names in the book of life. When we live with this in mind, instead of constantly arguing, we “let [our] graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5). No one is to be left out as a recipient of grace.

So Paul’s prescription for peace is the prescription for us today. We won’t agree on every matter, yet believers are called to choose unity based on what we do agree on: the Good News of salvation in Jesus. Whether we're interacting on social media, in text messages or in person, we all need this reminder.

As for me, I finally had a talk with my sister in Christ. We still don’t agree on everything, but in love, we’re choosing to focus on our shared devotion to Jesus.

The world is watching, friends. Let us choose to be known for graciousness and walk in unity.

Jesus, open my eyes today to see where to display Your graciousness and walk in unity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Esther was a woman in the Bible who had the challenge of being gracious in very tenuous situations. Learn more from her wisdom in Lynn Cowell and Amy Carroll’s Bible study, Esther: Seeing Our Invisible God in an Uncertain World. Click here to order.

ENGAGE

For more resources on finding peace with your people, click here.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Mark 9:38-40, “John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.’ ‘Don’t stop him,’ said Jesus, ‘because there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name who can soon afterward speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is for us’” (CSB). 

What is one specific way you can be gracious, kind, benevolent and courteous to a fellow believer, even someone you disagree with? Let us know in the comments!

© 2024 by Lynn Cowell. All rights reserved.