“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”–Philippians 4:2–4
A divided church is not going to be a powerful church. Unity was one of the most prominent characteristics of the church in Jerusalem. The Bible tells us that on the Day of Pentecost, “They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1). Yet because churches are filled with people, there are frequently issues that must be addressed. The best solution to bring about unity is not for us to focus on each other, but instead to focus on God. Just as pianos are not tuned to each other but instead to a tuning fork, His joy provides a common thread that will knit disparate hearts together and bring unity.
In his sermon “The Duty of Joy” Charles Spurgeon said, “There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart. We noticed, in our reading, that there had been a little tiff between two sisters in the church at Philippi; as a cure for disagreements, the apostle says, ‘Rejoice in the Lord alway.’ People who are very happy, especially those who are very happy in the Lord, are not apt either to give offence or to take offence. Their minds are so sweetly occupied with higher things, that they are not easily distracted by the little troubles which naturally arise among such imperfect creatures as we are. Joy in the Lord, then, drives away the discords of earth.” ( Daily in the Word)
