Philippians 4:2-3

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. - Philippians 4:2-3

Dear Jesus,

You led Paul to call out two women in a letter to the whole congregation and their names go down in history for all time as two people who struggled to get along. But I look closely at what Paul wrapped his words with. He said that they had contended at his side for the gospel, that they were co-workers and that their names were written in the book of life. The fact remains, although I struggle like them to get along with everyone, my name is still written in heaven by grace. I am a sinner saved by grace. I can live with the humbling reality that I am not perfect at getting along. But I can strive to get along with others in your church, because you call me to it. Give me the perseverance to keep striving with Christian loved ones. Make the peace you won for us the power between us to live together in peace. Help us fight the insidious desire to live a selfish life instead of fighting with each other.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Two people can stink up a whole batch of people or permeate them with the smell of Christ.