I watched from my window as a block of flats was demolished. It took less than a week. Now a new building is being built, and it’s been months now, with builders working nights and weekends. It just goes to show—it’s far easier to break stuff than fix it!

This is definitely true in our relationships and friendships. In Philippians 4:2, Paul wrote to two women in the church, saying, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord”. The fight between these two women threatened the whole church family if they couldn’t work things out. So Paul asked a “true companion” (V.3) to help them rebuild their relationship.

Sadly, Christians sometimes fight. So we need to do our best, even in disagreements, to “live at peace with everyone” (ROM. 12:18). If we can’t settle our arguments kindly and with respect, the love of the church can be broken very quickly, just like that block of flats.

Working to keep peace takes effort and a long time, like any building project. But it is worth it. Christians who look out for each other, even when they disagree, stand tall. Let’s encourage and strengthen our Christian friends and our church families today!

By: C. P. Hia

To Pray About . . .

Lord, I will commit myself to live more selflessly. Please show me the people who are in need and give me strength as I look out for them.