Sisters Stop Your Fighting
Sisters Stop Your Fighting
The Cold War between Russia and America may be over but it is not over in many churches, families, bedrooms, work places and etc. The first war started in the garden when Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the devil. It progressed to the first ever sibling rivalry of Cain and Abel. This one did not end well because Cain killed his brother Abel.
You get the picture? Fights aren't new. Have you wondered why we fight and quarrel with others?
Apostle Paul is calling out two dear sisters to stop the fighting. There are three parties here. The two women who are quarreling and the by standers who are indirectly affected. Everyone has a responsibility to stop the fighting. Take a step toward peace today.
“2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life”. Philippians 4:2-3.
James tells us how fights start and it is true in every case. “What leads to [the unending] [a]quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]? 2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and [b]your lust goes unfulfilled; so you [c]murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]” James 4:1-3.
You cannot make anybody do anything and we get frustrated when people don’t do as we expect and share the same opinion as we have. That is what James is saying. Who knows what sisters E and S are quarrelling about? I can bet you it is not worth it. Pray instead of pouting.
Thank God their names are written in the Book of Life. The fact that you are fighting does not remove your name from God’s Book. However it diminishes your effectiveness and pollutes the atmosphere for all. That's why the fighting must stop. Also you don’t have to demonize the other party. Our goal is to point all to Christ and not prove who is right.
Notice that these women have worked very hard to support the work of God. In light of heaven where we are headed there is nothing what quarreling for when you put it in perspective.
When we assume the attitude of Christ, most explosive situations are diffused. “Regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility”. Phil 2:3-5.
I have been in fights and you too. Let's cut it off. Let peace reign. So who are you in Cold War with right now? Please stop it. You are making everyone else uncomfortable and hindering right relationship in the family, marriage, church, neighborhood and work place.
Paul is telling us to value one another and to stand firm in the Lord. Quarreling with those who should be very dear to us will affect our standing firm. We are to be of same mind in the Lord. Paul says “15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude that too God will make clear to you”. Phil 3:15. We are to give grace to one another even when we differ. Give God room to reveal truth to others. Yes, you got but I don’t get yet. Pray for me instead of criticizing me.
Note the mention of Clement. He turned out to be one of the early bishops and leader of the Church. It tells me that this issue must have been resolved for sisters E and S. Your issue should also be resolved. You don't have to go to the grave with it. Some have and it is a lasting regret.
Who can you make peace with today? Which two people can you help to settle their differences today?
Father I pray your convictions on all who are quarreling and fighting today. Help them to forgive and bear with each other as God has forgiven us in Christ. I forgive this person that has hurt me and I have equally hurt in some fashion. Thank you Lord for your peace that is ruling my heart and mind because of the power of forgiveness and grace. Amen.
Now take the next step and go to the person you are in Cold War with. Also if you are a third party please initiate a reconciliation process between the two. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Matt 5:9. Become a peace maker. It won't be easy but don't give up.
The Cold War between Russia and America may be over but it is not over in many churches, families, bedrooms, work places and etc. The first war started in the garden when Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the devil. It progressed to the first ever sibling rivalry of Cain and Abel. This one did not end well because Cain killed his brother Abel.
You get the picture? Fights aren't new. Have you wondered why we fight and quarrel with others?
Apostle Paul is calling out two dear sisters to stop the fighting. There are three parties here. The two women who are quarreling and the by standers who are indirectly affected. Everyone has a responsibility to stop the fighting. Take a step toward peace today.
“2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life”. Philippians 4:2-3.
James tells us how fights start and it is true in every case. “What leads to [the unending] [a]quarrels and conflicts among you? Do they not come from your [hedonistic] desires that wage war in your [bodily] members [fighting for control over you]? 2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and [b]your lust goes unfulfilled; so you [c]murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God]” James 4:1-3.
You cannot make anybody do anything and we get frustrated when people don’t do as we expect and share the same opinion as we have. That is what James is saying. Who knows what sisters E and S are quarrelling about? I can bet you it is not worth it. Pray instead of pouting.
Thank God their names are written in the Book of Life. The fact that you are fighting does not remove your name from God’s Book. However it diminishes your effectiveness and pollutes the atmosphere for all. That's why the fighting must stop. Also you don’t have to demonize the other party. Our goal is to point all to Christ and not prove who is right.
Notice that these women have worked very hard to support the work of God. In light of heaven where we are headed there is nothing what quarreling for when you put it in perspective.
When we assume the attitude of Christ, most explosive situations are diffused. “Regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility”. Phil 2:3-5.
I have been in fights and you too. Let's cut it off. Let peace reign. So who are you in Cold War with right now? Please stop it. You are making everyone else uncomfortable and hindering right relationship in the family, marriage, church, neighborhood and work place.
Paul is telling us to value one another and to stand firm in the Lord. Quarreling with those who should be very dear to us will affect our standing firm. We are to be of same mind in the Lord. Paul says “15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude that too God will make clear to you”. Phil 3:15. We are to give grace to one another even when we differ. Give God room to reveal truth to others. Yes, you got but I don’t get yet. Pray for me instead of criticizing me.
Note the mention of Clement. He turned out to be one of the early bishops and leader of the Church. It tells me that this issue must have been resolved for sisters E and S. Your issue should also be resolved. You don't have to go to the grave with it. Some have and it is a lasting regret.
Who can you make peace with today? Which two people can you help to settle their differences today?
Father I pray your convictions on all who are quarreling and fighting today. Help them to forgive and bear with each other as God has forgiven us in Christ. I forgive this person that has hurt me and I have equally hurt in some fashion. Thank you Lord for your peace that is ruling my heart and mind because of the power of forgiveness and grace. Amen.
Now take the next step and go to the person you are in Cold War with. Also if you are a third party please initiate a reconciliation process between the two. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Matt 5:9. Become a peace maker. It won't be easy but don't give up.
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