PHILLIPIANS 2:3; 4:2-7
I watched from my office as a three storey building was demolished. The demolition took barely four days to complete. In its place a new building – a bungalow is being constructed. It has been two months now, and despite construction activities going on weekdays and weekends, it is still incomplete. How much easier it is to tear down than to build up!
What is true for demolition and construction of buildings is also true for human relationships. Paul wrote to two women in the church, imploring them to be of the same mind in the Lord. The quarrel between these two women threatened to tear down the witness of the Philippian church if left unresolved. So Paul urged a “true yokefellow” or companion (Philippians 4:3) to help rebuild that relationship.
Sadly, Christians do quarrel, but we should seek to live peaceably (Romans 12:18). Unless our conflicts are resolved, the Christian witness so painstakingly built up can be destroyed. It takes much effort and time to reconcile broken relationships. But it is worth it. Like a new building rising from the ruins, reconciled believers can emerge stronger.
May we seek to foster peace and build each other up through our words and actions today!
Two Christians are better than one – when they are one.
* Lord, as the enemy works to scar the life of Your precious bride, the church, through worldliness and strife, help us to work to reconcile and build, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
