[This is part of a running series on the Didache. See the introductory post for more information — RWB]
Phrasing/Translation
Τέκνον μου,
My child,
τοῦ λαλοῦντός σοι τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ
the one speaking to you the word of God,
μνησθήσῃ νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας,
remember him night and day,
τιμήσεις δὲ αὐτὸν ὡς κύριον·
and honor him as the Lord:
ὅθεν γὰρ ἡ κυριότης λαλεῖται,
for where the Lord's nature is discussed
ἐκεῖ κύριός ἐστιν.
there the Lord is.
ἐκζητήσεις δὲ καθ ̓ ἡμέραν τὰ πρόσωπα τῶν ἁγίων,
But seek out each day the presence of the saints,
ἵνα ἐπαναπαῇς τοῖς λόγοις αὐτῶν.
so that you may find comfort in their words.
οὐ ποθήσεις σχίσμα,
Do not strive after schism,
εἰρηνεύσεις δὲ μαχομένους·
but bring peace to the ones who fight:
κρινεῖς δικαίως,
judge justly,
οὐ λήψῃ πρόσωπον ἐλέγξαι ἐπὶ παραπτώμασιν.
do not show favortism in bringing sins to light.
οὐ διψυχήσεις,
Do not be double-minded,
πότερον ἔσται ἢ οὔ.
whether this occurs or not.
Notes
Didache 4 begins with positive statements concerning fellowship and the ones who lead the fellowship, followed with cautions regarding dissention, schism and unity.
I find it telling that unity is stressed but it is not unity as we would tend to think about it today. The unity discussed here involves unity in obedience, not unity in tolerance. The "ones who fight" are not brought to peace simply with an agreement to end the discussion without addressing the underlying cause. The "schism" or disagreement is resolved, but it is resolved with honor and propriety -- bringing sin to light and rebuking it.
This is all prefaced with positive statements regarding the pratice of praying for an honoring the one "speaking the word of God" to the community. There is a focus on honoring that leadership and in following that leadership.** Additionally there is a focus on fellowshipping with other believers: "each day seek out the presence of the saints". The reason given for doing this is to "find comfort in their words".
When a properly-ordered community does these things -- praying for, supporting and honoring leadership along with seeking out fellowship -- then when difficulties and disagreements come, the disagreement can be reconciled and not simply plastered over in a vain attempt at 'unity'. After all, the goal isn't unity for unity's sake. The goal is loving God who made us (Did 1.2). When the difficult situations arise, if the community is properly focused on loving God (and therefore loving the ones who "speak the word of God", Did 4.1) then one side effect will be a serious effort toward unity in love of God when difficult situations arise. Without the underlying love of God, the love and honoring of leaders, and the respect of fellow saints, any effort toward unity is hopeless.
Thus, in the context of instuction for a baptismal candidate (which the Didache very well may be) the importance of underscoring this is evident for the well-being of the community in achieving its primary purpose, to love God.
** A random thought (and not a serious proposal): I find it somewhat interesting that terminology such as 'overseer' or 'elder' isn't used here in light of later portions of the Didache that serve as an ecclesiastical manual for practices such as the Eucharist. Perhaps that helps in establishing a date for the Didache that is earlier than, say, the letters of Ignatius?