“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Philippians 4:2-3

‍

If we know God, if we are loved by God, reconciliation and forgiveness should be our pursuit. To reconcile in a healthy way begins with coming before God in humility, recognizing that he first came down to draw near to us. In this Sunday's message, Pastor Kevin Myers explains ways to reconcile with one another in a biblical way that honors Christ and one another.

‍

The Context:
Paul is writing this letter from prison to the church of Philippi around the time of 61-62 AD. In the letter, he addresses Euodia & Syntyche, two leaders in the church who are experiencing a breach in their relationship.

Biblical reconciliation in a relationship is the removal of hostility, the pursuit of peace, and establishment of harmony. Since we have been justified and reconciled by Christ we are now a new creation in Christ. He has now entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation to our brother & sisters in him and the message of reconciliation of Jesus to the world.

‍

Ways to help us forgive & pursue reconciliation:

Follow the urge to reconcile

• Paul is urging them with empathy and compassion to reconcile their relationship, calling them into a deeper love and honor for each other.
• We are incapable of reconciling without God.
• To reconcile is to move in the Holy Spirit towards a life of wholeness and peace with God.
• This urge leads us into a new family as sons and daughters of Christ. He is faithful to steward his family.
  ‍

Think like Jesus

1.  Start with God: Genesis 1:1-2
If he created all things, he can help create beautiful things from broken places.

2.  Receive from God: James 1:17
In humility receive from God the grace to journey to reconcile. Be open to him usually wise counsel to help you in this journey

3. Repent: Mark 1:9
Even if we feel we are the one in the wrong party, a lot of the times, we have closed ourselves off to the heart of God based on bitterness. We change our mind when we choose to repent! Jesus who knew no sin chose to be baptized and identify with a repentant heart. We follow his model.

4. Name the wrong - Matthew 5:23-25
Forgiveness moves towards relationship. Honesty can partner with humility to rebuild a relationship.  

5. Forgive: Ephesians 4:32
In a new life in Christ we are commanded to Forgive as he has.

6. Relate: Romans 3:10
Jesus chose to put on flesh and bones and knows our struggles. We can relate to all because none is righteous without him.

7. Pursue - Exodus 34:6
God pursues His people DESPITE our wrong doing

8. Endure 1 Corinthians 13:7
Loving others is not void of boundaries, wisdom, or safety but it does endure.
“It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
‍

Assess your motivation

• When we remember where our eternity with those who offend us is perfect reconciliation, it causes us to assess our motivations here on earth for peace.
• The wrong argument is with flesh and blood, but the true disagreement is with forces of evil.
• If we are offended in relationship we need to look to arming ourselves in Christ to follow the true motivation of God.

‍

Additional Resources

• Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? By Timothy Keller
• Philippians 2:1-12
• Romans 5:8-11
• 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Dinner Party Questions

1. Has the Holy Spirit been urging you towards reconciliation? How can you take hurt and offense and bring it to God?
2. What steps in thinking like Jesus are most difficult for you?
3. Are you being motivated by an earthly desire for retribution or a heavenly call to reconciliation?