Stand Firm - 9 Pillars of Peace - #1 Harmony; #2 Fellowship

Bible commentator John MacArthur wrote, 'The church should be a place where people support each other, hold each other accountable, and care for each other. It should be a communion of life in which believers restore those who have fallen into sin (Gal. 6:1) and bear each other's burdens (v2). the church is to 'admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone' (1 Thes. 5:14).

'But Paul knew that such edifying ministry could take place only in an atmosphere of harmony. Therefore any threats to the church's unity must be confronted. Paul dealt with a serious threat to the Philippian church's unity in verses 2 and 3. He identified the problem in specific terms, naming the two women who were involved, and exhorting a third person to help resolve the crisis.' (NT Comm.; p273).

Unity and Fellowship walk hand in hand. When a breach occurs in fellowship, the stability of the church is in jeopardy. Unity speaks to the integrity of the church or its ability to maintain strength and avoid deterioration, breakdown or degeneration. Conflict among members must be dealt with privately, swiftly and biblically. The life of the church and its testimony of Christ to the world is at stake.