Avoiding Strife

“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”

Too often, people fall into the trap of strife. Above I listed just a few of the verrry many bible scriptures that warn us against getting caught up in it. Someone says something that rubs you the wrong way or tries to cut you down and before you know it, there’s tension, quarreling, regretful comments and actions.

This is the enemy’s greatest trick to keep people from living in victory. But you don’t have to get all worked up just because someone else wants to argue with you; you can rise above it. Like the first verse says, you can simply drop the matter before it turns into something bigger than it needs to be. You don’t have to sink down to somebody’s level and argue with them and try to prove that you’re right. You weren’t put on this earth to correct everybody around you. And you don’t owe anyone the peace of mind you would be sacrificing by giving into this tactic of the enemy.

If you are going to be all that God’s called you to be, you have to learn to avoid strife. Instead of letting disagreements pull your relationships apart, look for common ground to draw you closer to the people in your life. Look for peace. Look for ways to be a blessing. Avoid strife so you can enjoy your life and experience the fullness of blessing God has for you.

I want to encourage you today to choose to stay above it. The discontent, the anxiety, the unrest can all be avoided when you choose to take the high road. Make the choice to seek peace and walk in love and be an example of Jesus everywhere you go. It’s more than just wearing a cross around your neck or claiming to be a Christian with your words. You have to actually LIVE IT if you expect to be believed. I’m not saying it’s always easy and I’m certainly not perfect either. But if you’ll guard yourself against falling into this trap then sit back and get ready to watch the Creator of the universe go to work fighting your battles FOR YOU.