How can prayer help us overcome the "stir up strife" tendency? Setting the Scene from Proverbs 15:18 “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.” Recognizing the Roots of Strife • Strife springs from unchecked anger, pride, fear, or greed (Proverbs 28:25; James 4:1). • Even believers can slip into reacting rather than responding (Galatians 5:17). • Admitting this tendency is the first step toward freedom (1 John 1:9). Prayer Reorients the Heart • Invites the Holy Spirit to replace fleshly impulses with His fruit—“love, joy, peace, patience…” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Shifts focus from the offense to the Lord’s presence (Psalm 16:8). • Cultivates humility; we stand before a holy God before we stand before people (Isaiah 6:5-7). • Releases His peace to guard mind and heart (Philippians 4:6-7). How to Pray When Tension Rises 1. Pause and breathe—silently call on Jesus before a single word escapes. 2. Confess your specific trigger—“Lord, my temper is flaring.” 3. Ask for His perspective—“Show me how You see this person and this moment.” 4. Receive His peace—wait until your heart rate slows and His calm settles. 5. Speak only what builds up (Ephesians 4:29). Scriptures to Turn Into Prayer • Psalm 141:3 — “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” • James 1:19-20 — “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.” • Proverbs 10:12 — “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” • Proverbs 28:25 — “A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.” Living the Answer • Begin each day surrendering your tongue and temper to Christ. • Memorize one of the verses above; recite it the moment irritation surfaces. • Journal answered prayers—notice how often conflicts de-escalate when you pause to pray. • Celebrate every small victory as evidence that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). |
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