Avoiding strife and confusion
From The Five Minute Bible Study and More! · 5:15
Show by Dr. Christina PHD
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!Strife and ConfusionTheme: Living in Peace, Unity, and UnderstandingMain Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)"For God is not the author of confusion, butof peace, as in all churches of the saints."1. IntroductionAs Christians, we are called to live in peace with one another. God desires unity among His people,not division, arguments, jealousy, or confusion.Strife can enter our homes, families, friendships,churches, and even ministries when we allow pride,anger, gossip, misunderstandings, and unforgiveness to take root.The enemy often uses confusion and division to distract us from God's purpose. However, the word of God teaches us how to recognize strife,avoid unnecessary conflict, and maintain peace.2. Understanding What Causes StrifeProverbs 13:10 (KJV)"Only by pride cometh contention: but withthe well advised is wisdom."Strife often begins when pride takes control. We want to be right, have the last word, or prove our point instead of seeking understanding.We must understand that not every disagreement needs to become an argument. We can disagree agree without becoming disagreeable.3. Be Careful With Your WordsProverbs 15:1 (KJV)"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievouswords stir up anger."Our words have tremendous power. We can use them to encourage, heal, and restore, or we can use them to hurt, discourage, and divide.Sometimes the greatest demonstration of spiritual maturity is knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.James 1:19 (KJV) reminds us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.4. Avoid Gossip and DivisionProverbs 16:28 (KJV)"A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separate h chief friends."Gossip is dangerous because it spreads information that can damage relationships and destroy trust.Sometimes people disguise gossip as concern, prayer requests, or simply sharing what they heard.But before repeating something about another person, we should consider whether it is helpful,necessary, and appropriate.Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) teaches us to let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths,but only that which is good for edifying.5. Become a PeacemakerMatthew 5:9 (KJV)"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."Jesus calls us to be peacemakers.A peacemaker does not fuel arguments, take pleasure in division, or constantly bring up past offenses.Instead, a peacemaker seeks reconciliation,understanding, and solutions that honor God.Being a peacemaker does not mean tolerating wrongdoings, ignoring important issues, or allowing people to mistreat us. It means addressing problems with wisdom, truth, love, and godly character.Romans 12:18 (KJV) says:"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, livepeaceably with all men."Notice that Scripture tells us to do everything within our ability to live peacefully with others.6.God Is the Author of Peace, Not Confusion1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)"For God is not the author of confusion, butof peace, as in all churches of the saints."God desires order, peace, and unity in His church.James 3:16-18 (KJV) teaches that envy andstrife produce confusion and every evil work,but-the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable,gentle, and full of mercy.This gives us a powerful standard: If our actions continually produce division, we need to examine whether we are operating in God's wisdom.
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