Quarrels and Reconciliation

Philippians 2:1-4

1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions,

2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;

3 doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;

4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

Paul is shifting gears now as he begins to talk about problems within the church at Philippi. These same principles can be applied to any church, and should be taken wholeheartedly. Paul expresses the epitome of his joy being the church united as one, forging on for the same purpose. For if we are divided, we will surely fall. The same love, being of one accord, or one mind is that of Christ, without whom it is not possible in the first place. This is why the first verse expresses exhortation in Christ and fellowship of the Spirit. You see, if we are of one body, how can we be divided?

Paul lays out how to prevent divisions within the church in verses 3 and 4. My study bible notes that Paul is referring specifically to a division between two women in the church, which we will see in Philippians 4:2.

To me, this seems like a simple concept that anyone in Christ would nod their heads at. However, our human pride gets in the way. We feel we are “better” servants of Christ than others. We feel we are doing it the right way and others are doing it the wrong way…who are we to say what is right and wrong? Being followers of Christ we acknowledge that we are sinners and fall short, yet we boast in our own service of Christ in the same breath!

THIS DOES NOT FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD! Anybody who thinks it does is foolish, even myself. Certainly, as unique individuals we will all have differences. However, we must be united in heart, mind, and Spirit. If there are quarrels among you, both sides should seek amends. Otherwise, a weak link is created and the enemy will be sure to exploit it. When I was in the military, we learned to plan attacks by hitting the weakest part of the fortification. If there was a crack in the wall, it would be weaker and therefore easy to break apart. This is what happens when Christians quarrel.

Regardless of difference, we are still to love each other as brothers and sisters. In the end, we will all be standing together worshiping anyway, so why wait until then to be reunited and reconciled? Another aspect is that quarrels among believers don’t just affect the two within the quarrel, but those surrounding the situation as well, whether indirectly or directly. victims of a selfish and prideful situation. This is why we must not look each of you to his own things, but each of you to the things of others.

If we claim to have a servants attitude, then we must serve by sacrificing our pride and loving all unconditionally as Christ calls us to.

Are you quarreling today?

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