"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (vv 5-6). Paul used those two words carefully and intentionally (and the alliteration makes it easier to remember).
First, endurance: Living in harmony with others is not easy. In fact, it is sometimes those closest to you, whether in your family or in the faith (or both!) that it is most difficult. It's easy for me to be angry at those who disagree with me, especially if I'm hurt by them emotionally. But by his grace God gives us endurance in the midst of those relationships, and the maturity to be at peace even if we disagree.
Second, encouragement: Living in harmony with others is—well, it's not easy! Yet again, by his grace, God also encourages us in the midst of difficult relationships. This usually comes to me as a precious gift, and it comes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it's a brother with a good word of encouragement, or it's an answer to a prayer I've been waiting for. Most often though, it is the sweetness of God's word that "brightens my eyes."
Think back on a relationship in your life that has been difficult. Maybe it is still difficult. Maybe it's somebody close to you like it is for me. How has God equipped you to endure with that person in harmony? In what ways has God encouraged you in that relationship?
Perhaps you haven't thought about God giving these gifts to you in the midst of this relationship. Go back and reread verses 5 and 6, and ask God to work in this tough relationship to allow you and that person to live in accord with Christ Jesus and with one voice bring glory to God.
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