---Reconciliation/ Unity ~~

~~~"Let your gentleness be evident to all."--[Philippians 4:5]-

~~~Human nature can take on and possess a reflexive "need" to be right, and we're prone to stubbornly cling to that instinct in rather destructive ways!

--Happily for us, God lovingly chooses to soften stubborn human hearts. The apostle knew this, so when two members of the Philippian church were squabbling, he loved them enough to call them out (Philippians 4:2). Then, having earlier instructed the believers to have "the same mindset" of self-giving love as Christ (2:5-8), Paul asked them to "help these women," valued coworkers with him in sharing the Gospel (4:3). It seems peacemaking and wise compromise call for team effort.

Of course there are times to take a firm stand, but a Christlike approach will look a lot different than unyielding! So many things in life aren't worth fighting over. We can bicker with each other over every trivial concern until we destroy ourselves (Galatians 5:15). Or we can swallow our pride, graciously receive wise counsel, and seek unity with our brothers and sisters, in Christ. ~

--"Heavenly Father, soften my hardened stubborn heart so I can truly live in unity. And help me to be open to wise counsel. In Christ Jesus Name I pray. ~amen"

--ODB/TG~
---"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." ~~
--"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love."-[1 John 5:18]
---"I Speak Jesus" (lyrics/ Darlene Zschech) <https://youtu.be/p-2rRUQlEws>
~~~~~~~