It seems that when Fragrant and Fate got together there was fire! Both were women of God . . . both had labored side by side with Paul in the work of the gospel . . . both attended the gathering of believers in Philippi . . . but when they were together, Euodia (i.e. Fragrant) and Syntche (i.e Fate) might as well have been Nitro and Glycerin. That sometimes even the most spiritual people can get on one another’s nerves probably isn’t a surprise to anyone who has spent time hangin’ out with “saints below” . . . as in, “To dwell above, with saints we love — won’t that be glory! But to dwell below, with saints we know — now that’s a different story!”

While it’s true that two spiritually minded people can be like iron sharpening iron (Prov. 27:17), it’s also true that, at times, those same two spiritually minded people can be like sandpaper rubbing against sandpaper — a reminder that we are “not there yet” . . . and still works in progress.

That appears to have been the case with these two godly servants at Philippi. And, it seems, it had become a pretty big deal . . . perhaps impacting the church body. Whatever was going on between them, Paul wanted it to stop and the Spirit wanted it recorded for the benefit of future generations of believers. Paul encourages them to “agree in the Lord” (ESV) . . . to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (NKJV) . . . even calling on an unidentified “true companion” to intervene and “help these women” (Php. 4:2-3).

Strife between Christians is understandable, but never helpful. It’s not helpful to the individual . . . it’s hard and distracting to be at odds with someone else . . . especially a fellow believer. It’s not helpful to the work of the kingdom as it takes energy away from getting the work done. And, it’s not helpful to the testimony or witness of Christ in the lives of those who claim to be “new creations in Christ” and filled with the love of God.

And it’s under the shadow of this umbrella that Paul offers some counsel . . . three tips for getting along . . . a bit of God-breathed advice.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.    (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)

Rejoice in the Lord always . . . let your reasonableness, or your gentleness be known . . . do not be anxious about anything.

And, as I noodle on it, I wonder if command number 2 isn’t the main event . . . and that “be gentle” is sandwiched between “be joyful” and “be not anxious” because when those two are clicking it results in the third . . . and together they become the “full meal deal.”

A gentle spirit . . . that’s what will ease the tension . . . a spirit which is mild . . . a spirit that is patient . . . a spirit that is moderate or reasonable. Gentleness should so characterize the believer that those around us will see it. That’s the spirit of our Lord Jesus . . . “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29). Humbleness of heart leads to gentleness . . . gentleness leads to harmony . . . harmony results in a good witness to others. To take serious the exhortation to be gentle is “the meat” . . . but it’s enveloped with some pretty amazing “bread.”

Seems intuitive that it’s easier to be gentle and gracious when, within ourselves, we are joyful and at peace. When I’m bent out of shape, I can be a little testy (don’t wanna hear any “Amen, brothers” from my family). But when I can, in the Lord, rejoice always . . . and when I know, in Christ Jesus, the peace of God that passes all understanding and am anxious for nothing . . . then, I’m thinkin’, gentleness flows naturally . . . or rather, it flows supernaturally.

To rest in the Lord’s faithfulness and rejoice in Him at all times . . . to take everything to the Lord in prayer and know our the reality of anxiety giving way to a peace which is beyond reality . . . this is what will nurture and fuel a spirit of gentleness . . . this is what will enable our reasonableness to be known to everyone . . . and, in turn, promote and maintain a spirit of unity . . . and bring God to glory.

That’s the full meal deal . . . amen?