Why is it important to remove "strife and conflict" from our communities? Key Verse “To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.” (Proverbs 17:14) What Strife Looks Like • A small spark that grows quickly—“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute.” (Proverbs 15:18) • Words that keep the fire alive—“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip conflict dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20) • A breeding ground for every other sin—“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16) Why Removing Strife Is Vital • It prevents destructive overflow. Proverbs 17:14 compares strife to a breached dam; once released, damage spreads faster than we can contain. • It protects unity. “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1) • It safeguards our witness. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • It honors God’s design for peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Biblical Consequences of Ongoing Conflict • Dishonor—“It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.” (Proverbs 20:3) • Hindered prayers—“Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way… so that your prayers will not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7) • Spiritual stagnation—“If you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.” (Galatians 5:15) Practical Ways to Drain the Flood • Abandon quarrels early—take Proverbs 17:14 literally: step away before the dispute escalates. • Guard your tongue—“Let every one of you be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) • Seek reconciliation—follow Matthew 18:15 by addressing offenses privately and humbly. • Cultivate humility—“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) • Pray for those involved—“Pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) The Fruit of Peace • Strengthened relationships—“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) • God’s presence felt—“Where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) • Harvest of righteousness—“The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18) Removing strife is not optional; it is a direct, practical obedience to God’s Word that protects the community, magnifies Christ, and unleashes the blessings promised to peacemakers. |
    |