Holding Grudges

Holding Grudges

Euodia And Syntyche

Read: Philippians 2:1-2; 4:2

“It’s a beautiful day, Laura has her living room decorated in pink, and Katie is bringing one of her gorgeous cakes. Only one thing can ruin your baby shower now.”

“What’s that?”

“If Doris and Jill both show up.”

“Ah, yes, the ‘odd couple.’ Have they always hated each other?”

“Believe it or not, they used to be close friends. Then they had a falling-out; now they create tension whenever they’re in the same room. The only real solution is to seat them with their backs to each other. That way, they can’t give each other dirty looks.”

In Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi, he addressed a disagreement between two women. Euodia and Syntyche were both committed followers of Jesus Christ. They had worked hard together to share the good news of God’s love and forgiveness with others. Then they had a falling-out and refused to share that forgiveness with each other. Their strained relationship caused dissension in their group of believers, so Paul urged them to settle their disagreement because they both belonged to the Lord.

Sometimes it’s possible to nurse a grudge against someone in secret while pretending that everything is okay in the relationship. More often, our resentment affects those around us and creates a spirit of discord. Holding a grudge hurts us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It strains our relationships with others and hinders our relationship with God.

God enacted the most important reconciliation when Jesus’ death made it possible for us to become his children. He also desires for us to be reconciled with one another. With his help, we can mend any broken relationship. Then we won’t have to worry about being exposed in a letter to a church—or ruining a baby shower.

Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Philippians 2:2