MEMORY VERSE: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:16.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 13:7-11
INTRODUCTION
Strife is a strong and bitter disagreement over vital issues. It is often associated with conflict, opposition, fights, violence, etc. As a divisive agent, it causes confusion, destroys unity, and creates hostility in human relationships. Strife is listed among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. It is a sign of carnality which breeds division 1 Corinthians 3:3. Strife destroys; hence it is in our best interest and honour to stay away from it.
OUTLINE
1.THE COSTLY IMPACT OF STRIFE
2. THE RIGHT RESOLUTION
1.THE COSTLY IMPACT OF STRIFE
Strife destroys good fellowship; it extinguishes the warmth and love in a relationship very fast Genesis 13:7. Like a virus, it spreads from person to person 2 Samuel 19:9. No matter who we are, we must take strife out of our lives because it can cause emotional wounds within families Genesis 27:34-36, 41, wars between nations; disharmony among the body of Christ Acts 15:35-39. It can lead to the destruction of lives Galatians 5:15.
Strife has some terrible agents that trigger it to action. Some of these include Pride Proverbs 28:25a; Anger/Wrath Proverbs 29:22; 15:18; Backbiting Proverbs 16:28; Tell- tale Proverbs 26:20; Argument 1 Timothy 6:4; Proverbs 26:21; Envy James 3:14; philippians 1:15; Unhealthy rivalry Luke 22:24; Unteachable spirit Proverbs 13:10; Evil desires James 4:1-2, Greed Proverbs 28:25.
2. THE RIGHT RESOLUTION
To prevent or stay away from strife must be a personal resolve and a responsibility we are willing to take up Philippians 2:3. We must intentionally work at it and confront it by consciously and consistently saying no to strife Proverbs 20:3. Walk in love, Colossians 3:14, Ephesians 5:2, Avoid needless arguments Proverbs 17:14. Do away with bitterness Hebrews 12:15, conflict, violent disagreement, etc. we must be a strife- stopper like Abram Genesis 13:8. Refuse to backbite or be a part of those who stir up trouble Psalm 15:3. Be the first to resolve issues Matthew 5:23-24. Learn how to disagree peaceably Romans 12:18.
Unity is another major requirement needed to keep strife out of our lives and relationships Psalm 133:1. Jesus in His prayers in John 17:22 asked the Father to make His followers one, as He and His Father are one. Unity brings positive results, makes us achieve collective goals and live in peace Genesis 11;5-6, it however requires humility. According to Psalm 133:2-3, unity brings anointing, refreshing, and blessings.
CONCLUSION
Strife is a dangerous tool of the devil; it removes the unity amongst believers that advances God’s kingdom on earth. It should be resisted at all costs.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Deuteronomy 10:12.
MON: John 3:24.
TUE: Romans 13:13.
WED: James 3:14
THUR: 1 John 1:3
FRI: Proverbs 20:3
SAT: Revelation 22:11