Better Together Scripture Reading – Philippians 4:2 - 4 (NLT) "Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life. Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice!" 

The Apostle Paul while writing this book of Philippians from jail which has been called the book of joy (think about that for a moment), right towards the end suddenly under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit brings up these two ladies and a disagreement that they were having.

These two ladies were a great help to Paul in past ministry times, and wonderful testimony for the kingdom of Jesus in their working relationship together. But as sometimes takes place, now they found themselves in a place of disagreement and both their ministry together and the wonderful testimony of Jesus was suffering as a result.

So Paul uses a strong word to appeal to these ladies, as well as others in the body of Christ. This Greek word has been used to identify the Person of the Holy Spirit who is called alongside to help: parakaleo - and means to call near, invite invoke, beseech, desire, entreat or pray.He is asking one of these ladies to be the first one to restore the relationship, and the other to follow suit. For when there is a disagreement, someone must be the first to humble themselves and begin to live in a new way to the greater glory of Jesus.

He also is encouraging the church to work to keep unity as a priority which recognizes that indeed we are, 'Better Together', and everyone is needed in Kingdom work!

When we choose not only to live like this ourselves, but to be those who work to bring others together too, the overwhelming result will be a sense of overflowing joy, bringing a smile to the heart and mouth of our Savior, and resulting in a rich eternal reward for all! 

Prayer Father I thank You for the body of Christ. I commit to be one who joyfully works for unity and bringing people together in the wonderful name of Jesus my Lord. 

Memory Verse:  Ephesians 4:3 NLT "Make every _______ to keep yourselves ________ in the _________, __________ yourselves together with peace."