Strife means, “vigorous or bitter conflict, discord and antagonism; to quarrel, struggle or clash; competition, and rivalry. It’s one of the most dangerous weapons the devil has in his arsenal against us, and when we allow strife into our lives, it’s like an open door to trouble because, “where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:14-16)
Plus, leave strife to take root, and it will eventually limit our faith and the effectiveness of our prayers because our faith works by love, not anger or discord. (Galatians 5:6).
Strife gives the devil an invitation to bring confusion and every type of evil into our lives. That’s why he’s always tempting us to argue, become angry, speak harsh words and push us towards getting offended, impatient and critical of others.
Before we ask Jesus into our lives, we are under the control of the dominion of darkness, but the bible says our salvation delivers us out of this kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. (Colossians 3:1) At that point, the devil loses any authority over us. The blessings of our salvation, peace, healing, wellbeing, provision, and abundance in every area of our lives belong to us from the moment we become part of God’s family.
However, the devil does not want us to enjoy any of these things but since he has no right’s or authority over us any longer, so he has to use trickery and deception to gain access to our lives. One of his tricks is to try to get us into strife and offence, orchestrating opportunities for us to fall into conflict. He knows that the moment we step into strife, he can begin to gain a foothold in our affairs and control our lives.
If we want our faith to work, our prayers to be answered, to walk in supernatural miracle-working power, and to experience peace, joy, provision, and blessing in every area of our lives, we must kick strife out and keep it out!
To be mindful every day that if we step into arguing, selfishness, bad temper and speaking harsh words with others, that we have to be just as quick to go to God, ask forgiveness, and forgive others so that the devil can gain no foothold.
Jesus knows we need help and says if we remain vitally connected to Him and allow His love and power to be shed abroad in our hearts we will be able to live free from strife gaining a foothold in our lives.
Jesus said, “Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.” (John 15:4-6)
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:5)
Today take some time to examine the real cause of what is going on around you. Is the root of what you are seeing and experiencing a result of the devil and his tactic to use strife, and all that it brings to gain access to you and your family’s lives?
Pray, ask for Jesus’ help and wisdom as you consistently choose to remove strife out of your reactions, heart attitudes, and relationships.
Refuse to allow the devil to bring strife and envy as a means to cause confusion and evil, and choose instead to let the Holy Spirit guide your life into peace and blessing. (Galatians 5:14-16)
Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
“Avoiding strife brings a man honour, but every fool is quarrelsome.” (Proverbs 20:3)
Prayer: Lord, I ask for your forgiveness for allowing strife, arguing, anger, and bitterness into my life. I don’t want to give the devil any further access to my life, and I ask that you help me walk in peace and love towards others. When someone annoys me, or there is an opportunity to get into strife, please help me be self-controlled and walk in the power of love instead. In Jesus Name Amen.
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