stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 4:2-3)

It is right to teach and preach unity in the church. We need healthy doses of it to remind us of our gospel mission to carry out the will of the Lord. When specific altercations of disunity arise, they must be handled directly and promptly. As a pastor, I frequently preach unity and incorporate how to maintain and regain it in my sermons. Forgiveness, repentance, extending grace, love, compassion, and mercy all protect the church’s unity. 

At times, I have had to confront disunity directly. I’ve done this in people’s relationships, ministries, staff, and leadership. I’ve learned that people will not do anything they don’t want to do. You cannot force unity. The Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word lead us to repent, forgive, be humble, and protect unity. When confronting a church leader once, I was met with strong resistance, really rebellion. I looked at the Word with them, prayed, and waited for the Lord to move. When the only noticeable change was a worse situation, I knew it would only worsen. And did it ever! Disregarding the Word, misapplying and misinterpreting Scripture, rebelling, self-promoting, and leading factions in the church was the ultimate result. Oh, how that will rob your joy!

n Philippians 4:2-3, Paul pleaded with two significant women in the church – Euodia and Syntyche. It was so substantial that he wrote “plead with” before each of their names. He asked them “to be of the same mind in the Lord.” This pointed back to have the same mind of Christ (2:5-11).  While we do not know the nature of the disunity, it was big enough to be addressed in a letter to the entire church. They could not solve the issue themselves, as Paul asked his “true companion” to be a mediator and help the women. If disunity persists between believers, we must ask someone to help them reconcile in the Lord.

Why did these ladies need to reconcile their differences? First, they were sisters in Christ named “in the Book of Life.” He knew they could work through this as there is nothing believers cannot restore in Christ.  We have the Spirit, Word, Christ’s resurrection power, and all the fruit of the Spirit. Second, they helped Paul in his gospel work, and now they must reunite or hinder it. More was at stake than one of them being “right.” The salvation of many was at hand. The gospel partners Paul listed (himself, Clement, and the rest of my co-workers) needed their gospel partnership and unity once again. This wasn’t a private matter any longer – now the whole church knew and was responsible for helping these two walk in unity once again. We must follow suit and seek gospel unity for gospel advancement.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Is there unaddressed disunity in your life?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• As you pray, ask the Lord to reveal potential hidden disunity with other believers. 

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Whom do you need to meet with or assist in reconciling unity?