E is for Euodia (Women of the Bible)

E is for Euodia.

Scripture Reference:

Philippians 4:2

Meaning of Name:

Fragrant

Family Connection:

Unknown

Interesting Facts About Euodia:

• Euodia may have been among the women who were praying at the river bank in Acts 16:13-15.
• She was a believer in the church of Philippi.
• Euodia was a co-laborer with Paul (Philippians 4:3).
• Her name is written in the Book of Life Philippians 4:3).
• She fell into a dispute with Syntyche, her sister in Christ.
• News of the dispute reached Paul, who closes his Philippians letter with a plea to Euodia (as well as Synthche) for unity.
• Euodia received help from others in her reconciliation with Syntyche.

What We Can Learn From Euodia:

• We are co-laborers with Christ to spread the Gospel message.
• It takes two to disagree; and it takes two in order to reconcile.
• Disputes within the church can cause division if sides are taken.
• Disputes within the church can take our focus off of our mission.
• We are to agree with each other "in Christ", meaning not in our own way, but in and through Christ.
• Take the help of others who are trying to aid in the reconciliation process.
• Offer to help those in need of reconciliation in their broken relationships. We have the example of Jesus to help us do this His way, not our way.
• Love each other with the love that God has given to us. In doing so, divisions will happen less and unity will take place instead.
• As believers, we have the Holy Spirit living inside of us that will help us to do what's necessary to live in unity.
• Have the attitude of Christ which was to give up his personal rights in order to serve others.
• Unity in the body of Christ is essential in the lives of believers and is what helps to mark us as part of the family of God.
• Are there any relationships in my life as a believer that need forgiveness and reconciliation?

Are you surprised by who I chose for the letter E in my Blogging through the Alphabet Women of the Bible series? Eudoia is not spoken of much in the church (or the Bible for that matter), but as you can see there is so much we can learn from her. I'm so thankful that God saw fit to include the tiny mention of her in Paul's letter to the Philippians. It was important enough to include and shows how much unity within the body of Christ is important to God. I discovered Euodia several years ago at a time in my life when I needed the lessons I learned from her and applied those lessons to my situation. I have never forgotten her and I hope you won't either.

Find out what others are #abcblogging about by clicking on the image below. Thanks to Marcy Crabtree at Ben and Me for hosting this Blogging Through the Alphabet series!

Walking in His Grace, 

Laurie