Celebrating the Light of ChristmasSample

The Greatest Enemy of Love

As Christians, God’s command to us is to love Him first and then love others like we love ourselves. This doesn’t mean to love others when we feel like it or when we think they deserve it. It means always—even during holidays like Christmas, when you can end up spending time with challenging people.

If you study the Scriptures to find the enemies of love, you’ll find there is one more common than any other. It is the enemy called strife, which means: “vigorous or bitter conflict, discord and antagonism; to quarrel, struggle or clash; competitions; rivalry.”

According to James 3:16, where strife gets in, every other evil work will follow. Strife opens the door to the devil and licenses him to bring confusion and evil into our lives. That’s why he’s always pushing for us to argue with one another and get offended or critical of one another. It gives him access to us!

In examining opportunities for strife at this time of year, consider some of the most common arguments between family members during Christmas:

1. Where to spend Christmas Day
2. How much money to spend on gifts
3. Which gifts to buy for each person
4. How many gifts to buy for the children
5. How much time to spend with the in-laws

Satan doesn’t miss an opportunity—especially during the celebration of our Lord Jesus—to stir up strife within families. He knows if he can get you into strife, you’ll be out of love. And if you’re outside of love, you’re not in position to receive THE BLESSING—healing, prosperity, peace, happiness and strong relationships.

The answer to a wonderful, peace-filled Christmas, and a life under the open windows of heaven is making a quality decision today to shut the door on strife this Christmas and always! Refuse to argue with people. Refuse to fight back when people criticize or wrong you. Determine instead to respond in love—take no account of the evil done to you. 

It will take effort, but by God’s grace, you will be able to do it. He never commands you to do anything that He isn’t standing by to help you with. Plus, it’s a small price to pay for THE BLESSING…and you’ll be forever glad you did.