Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
– Phil 4:1-3
Euodia and Syntyche weren’t peripheral observers in the church; they were battle-tested coworkers in the Gospel. Their story reminds us that it is possible to be deeply committed to Christ and yet deeply at odds with a brother or sister. Paul doesn’t take sides in their dispute, nor does he dismiss their feelings. Instead, he appeals to a higher ground, entreating them to “agree in the Lord.” He asks that they let their shared identity in Christ outweigh their personal grievances.
Notice that Paul asks his “true companion” to help these women to reconcile. Likemindedness in Christ is a community project; it requires us to look past our immediate frustrations and remember that our names are written together in the Book of Life. When we view our “rivals” through the lens of eternity, our earthly frictions begin to lose their heat. The unity of the Spirit is more precious than the vindication of our own egos.