PHILIPPIANS 2:3; 4:2-7
From my window, I observed the destruction of a residential building. It only took a week to complete the demolition. Now, a new structure is being constructed in its position. Even though the construction team has been working on weekends and nights for months, it is still not finished. It just goes to prove that fixing things is far harder than destroying them!
In our friendships and relationships, this is unquestionably true. Paul addressed two church members who were women in Philippians 4:2. If these two women could not resolve their conflict, it would endanger the entire church family. So Paul turned to a trustworthy friend for assistance in mending their friendship (v. 3).
Sad to say, Christians sometimes fight. Therefore, we must try our best to live in peace with everyone, despite any conflicts (Romans 12:18). The love of the church can be destroyed very fast, just like that residential building, if we are unable to resolve our disputes amicably and respectfully. People will also observe and believe that the church is full of disagreements and fights, just like any other place.
Maintaining peace requires work and patience, just like any construction job. Still, it is worthwhile. Even when they disagree, Christians who care for one another stand tall. Today, let us support and build our church family and Christian friends!
🙏”Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.”
—St. Francis of Assisi
REFERENCE:
Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, St. Francis of Assisi: Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace.
Accessed September 26, 2022
