Strife

"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel, instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." 2 Timothy 2:24

We need to learn to control strife. If we don't, it will take control of us. Strife is a thief and we need to recognise and deal with it quickly.

In the dictionary, strife is defined as "the act or state of fighting or quarrelling, especially bitterly." It is being involved in a heated disagreement or in a conversation with an angry undercurrent. Strife is dangerous, it is a demonic force sent by the devil to destroy.

"Be self- controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers through the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:8-9

The Bible says to resist the devil right from the beginning so that it becomes our nature to do so. Pretty much anytime someone hurts us, or offends us, angers rises up within us. It is not sinful to feel anger, but we must not act out the angry feelings in an ungodly way. Nor must we hold a grudge or enter into bitterness, resentment or unforgiveness.

"In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." Ephesians 4:26

"because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!" James 2:13

If you have a judgemental attitude, you are leaving the door wide open for strife. We must remember that mercy triumphs over judgement. Judgement usually leads to gossip. Gossip spreads strife from person to person. It breaks down unity and harmony and takes us out of the realm of God's blessings.

When we are tempted to judge others, spreading our opinion through gossip and back-biting, we would do well to remember John 8:7 "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

 

God changes things through prayer and faith, not through judgement and gossip.