How can we avoid "quarreling" and "jealousy" in our church community today? Understanding Paul’s Warning “For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I desire, and you may not find me as you desire. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.” (2 Corinthians 12:20) Paul names quarreling (“discord”) and jealousy as real, observable sins that fracture fellowship. His words speak straight to today’s church. Why Quarreling and Jealousy Take Root • Pride—putting self above Christ’s body (Proverbs 13:10; Philippians 2:3) • Fleshly thinking—walking by old desires rather than the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-21) • Competition for influence—forgetting every gift comes from God (1 Corinthians 4:7) • Unresolved offense—refusing biblical reconciliation (Matthew 18:15-17) Guarding the Heart First • Daily surrender to the Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Regular self-examination: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23) • Contentment in Christ: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) Practices That Starve Quarreling • Quick, gentle confrontation when sin appears (Galatians 6:1) • Choosing silence over needless comment (Proverbs 17:27-28) • Keeping short accounts—confess and forgive the same day (Ephesians 4:26-27) • Submitting preferences to the unity of the body (Romans 14:19) Practices That Starve Jealousy • Thank God aloud for others’ gifts and successes (1 Corinthians 12:26) • Serve where unseen; rejoice that the Father sees in secret (Matthew 6:4) • Meditate on the sufficiency of personal calling (Ephesians 2:10) • Memorize and recite verses on identity in Christ (Colossians 3:3) Positive Habits That Build Peace • Cultivate agape love: “Love is patient, love is kind…it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) • Regular corporate prayer focused on thankfulness (Colossians 4:2) • Shared service projects—working side by side unites hearts (Philippians 1:27) • Intentional fellowship across age, culture, and gifting lines (Romans 12:4-5) Resting in God’s Promise “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18) When we yield to this heavenly wisdom, quarreling and jealousy wither, and Christ’s righteousness blossoms in our congregation. |
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