The Cure to Conflict
Even in disagreement, we meet on the solid ground of Christ—where division dies and unity lives.
Philippians 4:2 – “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”
From today’s Immeasurably More devotional by Ray Stedman, we see a gentle yet urgent appeal from Paul that cuts straight to the heart of relational tension. Two women—Euodia and Syntyche—were caught in a disagreement that had begun to affect the broader church in Philippi. Paul doesn’t shame them or take sides. Instead, he calls them back to their common ground in Christ and urges them to agree in the Lord.
The apostle reminds us that no matter how different our personalities or perspectives may be, in Christ, we always have common ground. Our unity is not based on compatibility or shared interests but on our shared identity in Him. Paul doesn’t ask them to pretend nothing is wrong or to compromise their convictions. Rather, he encourages them to meet in the Lord—starting from what unites them rather than what divides.
Paul also gives them a second key: Rejoice in the Lord. In conflict, rejoicing often feels like the last thing we want to do. But here, it becomes the catalyst for healing. Rejoicing in the Lord recalibrates our focus—it lifts our eyes from the irritations and wounds to the goodness and sufficiency of Christ. In doing so, the irritations lose their sting, and grace finds room to flow.
This message speaks to every believer who’s ever had tension with another Christian. We’re reminded that conflict is not a problem to fix with worldly tools, but an opportunity to display the life of Christ—His patience, gentleness, and reconciling grace—through us. The solution is not avoidance or self-effort but abiding in Him and allowing His Spirit to express love and unity through us.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I live in you to make My love complete in your relationships with one another. You have already been given everything that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Me. I have poured out My love into your heart, not so it would remain there, but so it would flow freely—even toward those who may frustrate or misunderstand you.
When conflict arises, remember this: you are no longer your own. You were bought with a price, and I have made you one body in Me. The peace I gave you is not circumstantial; it flows from My own character, and I dwell in you to be your peace in every relational storm.
There is no division in Me. I have torn down the dividing wall, making peace through the cross. You are already united in Spirit, seated with Me in the heavenly places, and I call you to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Let gentleness be known in your reactions. Let your forbearance reflect Mine. I do not count your wrongs, nor do I bring up your past. I rejoice over you with singing, and I live in you to rejoice even through trials and misunderstandings.
Set your mind not on the differences, but on Me. Rejoice in Me always. Give thanks in all things, not for the pain, but for the opportunity to see My grace at work. In your weakness, I express My sufficiency. In your tension, I reveal My joy. This is not something you must manufacture. This is who I am in you.
Let My gentleness be the melody of your heart, and I will make peace bloom where division once stood.
Scriptures woven in: John 15:11-12; 2 Peter 1:3; Romans 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:14; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 13:5; Zephaniah 3:17; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that I’m not called to fix relationships by relying on my own insight or effort. You’ve already placed me into union with Christ, and in Him, I’ve been made one with my brothers and sisters. I trust You to live Your life of reconciliation and joy through me today. I don’t need to react from the old patterns—I yield to You, who are peace in every tension and gentleness in every word. You’ve given me everything I need to love without fear, respond without irritation, and rejoice without hesitation. So I rest in that truth and praise You for the unity You’ve already accomplished. Amen.
Devotional Credit:
Adapted and personalized from Immeasurably More: A Daily Devotional by Ray Stedman.
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