Anglican Devotional 24 May 2024: Reconciliation

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 24 May 2024 – Reconciliation

TOPIC: Reconciliation

READ: Philippians 4:1-3 (NKJV)

  1. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
  2. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
  3. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names [are] in the Book of Life.

THE MESSAGE:

Apostle Paul refers to those associated with him in the cause of the Gospel as fellow workers. This included both men and women. He does not claim any superiority over them but rather, sees them as companions (verse 3). Though Paul used a general term to describe these people, yet he mentioned the names of a few among them including Euodia, Syntyche and Clement, for certain reason. The reason is because Paul wanted the other brethren to reconcile the two women, noting that though they played important roles with him in propagating the Gospel, yet, they had a misunderstanding between themselves (verse 2). He therefore committed them to the hands of brethren for reconciliation, despite that they were part of the brethren whose names were in the book of life (verse 3).

It is good we understand as Christians that the ministry of reconciliation is as important as the Great Commission. As we propagate the Gospel, teaching people about heaven or the coming of the Lord, we should not neglect the aspect of settling disputes, putting a stop to strife, enmity, unhealthy rivalry and anything that can cause disunity among those we are trying to win for Christ. Our strength is in unity and not in diversity.

PRAYER: Lord, grant me the grace to promote unity in Your Church, even in the face of division, in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

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