Discordia | Disagreement

“Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.” - Philippians 4: 2 (NLT)

 

Disagreement is common. We might brag about our relationship or friendship with some people which is free from arguments, as if any dissensions indicate a red flag – that we are dealing with some bad people. But in the passage today, it happened between Apostle Paul’s fellow workers, Euodia and Syntyche, who undoubtedly had worked hard together with him spreading the Good News (Verses 2-3). Some say disagreement is actually healthy to bring a different perspective and thus enriches one another towards a goal.

The problem here is that when it is too strong, it could cause a division and damage the testimony we bear as Christians in public eyes. And it seems like that was what happened here. Paul even had to mention their names and in Verse 5 Paul said, “Let your gentleness be evident to all”.

Disagreement is sometimes inevitable between true fellow Christians. We learn from this passage that Paul addressed this matter using his heart. He made a serious request but in a loving way. “Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement” (Verse 2). He also did not forget these women’s great contribution in his ministry that he asked his very close partner in Philippi to help them - to help them sort things out (Verse 3).

It is also interesting to see that although this case involves women, it applies to all. Euodia and Syntyche were definitely not kinds of women in 1 Timothy 5:13 who were idle, going about from house to house and became busybodies who talked nonsense or liked gossiping. Otherwise Paul would have told them to be quiet. They must have possessed theological reasons or scripture-based arguments of the problem that was not easy to solve. Somehow it is a kind of relief for us all who face different views on a ministry. That it happens. It’s normal.

I believe, only with a good sincere heart that we are able to settle any disagreements among us. Besides, what we think matters a lot. It becomes our inner drive. So, let’s follow what Apostle Paul said, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Verse 8). May God help us all. Amen.

Reflection on Philippians 4: 1-9 by Desire Litaay

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