I remember the words of Rodney King years ago when he said in the aftermath of the LA riots, “Why can’t we just get along?” That is an even more important question in the church where we are working toward the same goals with the same Lord and the same Holy Spirit. In Philippians 4:2-3, Paul pleads with two important people in his life and ministry to settle their differences and get along with one another. 

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

Both of these women were considered by Paul to be his “true companions” as they were supporters of himself and his ministry. In a bit of irony, the name Euodia means “fragrant” and the name Syntyche means “affable.” The problem was that fragrant and affable didn’t get along and it was a strong enough issue that Paul directly addresses them and pleads with them to agree with one another and settle their differences. Even in the church, as we all know, good people, Godly people, well-intentioned people, can find themselves at odds with each other, which is ironic because they serve the same God and the same purpose. So Paul pleads with them to settle their differences.

Sometimes two individuals are unable to get on the same page so Paul asks the congregation whom he calls “loyal Yokefellows,” to help these women who he says have “contended at my side in the cause of the gospel” to reconcile. It was not OK with Paul that fragrant was smelling of something other than fragrance or that affable had become prickly. Evidently the disagreement was strong enough that it was going to take others to help them reconcile.

Paul gently reminds them that each of them have their names in the book of life. So, if our names are in God’s book of life as redeemed and transformed people, why do we allow ourselves to be in ongoing conflict with one another. We are siblings in God’s family and Paul is pleading with the siblings to cut it out and act like the family they were.

When God’s people cannot get along with one another it is not pleasing to God. In those situations, our fragrance becomes odorous and our affability becomes prickliness. In other words, instead of smelling and acting like Jesus we stink of our lower nature and act out of that lower nature. Yet, we are members of God’s family.

Are there individuals that you need to be reconciled to? That does not mean you must agree with one another on all things. It does mean that we put aside our bad attitudes, and are willing to bless one another and act like the family we are. In fact, in the very next verse, Paul says, “let your gentleness be evident to all.” Gentleness is a fragrance like God’s and it is kind and generous toward others. Don’t settle for odorous and prickly when we are called to fragrance and kindness.

Father, where I have attitudes and actions toward other members of your family, my family, that are not pleasing to you, would you give me the humility to reconcile and “contend for the gospel” alongside them as loving siblings. Forgive me where I have failed in this. Help me to make it right.  Amen.