Avoiding Strife

When you think of the way you feel during an argument, what words come to mind? I’m sure that joyful is not one of them. Arguments and quarrels with other people quench the joy in our hearts and leave us feeling angry, upset, rejected, frustrated, confused, or sad. This is why Paul urges us to diligently avoid foolish talk, arguments, or quarrels.

Paul notes that those who serve the Lord “must be kind to everyone.” The Amplified Classic Edition of this verse says: …must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]. I like to summarize this by saying that God’s people should be makers and maintainers of peace, which means we should be diligent not to engage in strife.

We don’t hear the word strife often, but it is characterized by unpleasantness in relationships, contention, bickering, arguing, offense, or heated disagreements. When strife is present, an angry undercurrent flows among individuals or groups of people, causing tension and quarrels. Strife destroys marriages, families, friendships, businesses, and churches. It is a tool Satan uses to stop the will of God—and like a deadly, contagious disease, it spreads rapidly unless people confront it.

As people of God, it is important for us to avoid foolish arguments and strife, and be willing to humble ourselves and do all we can do to maintain peace with others. Paul knew the power believers have when we live in unity and agreement (see Matthew 18:19) and told the Philippians they would complete his joy if they lived in harmony (see Philippians 2:2). Without peace, we are without power and without joy. But with unity, we release God’s presence and power, and life in turn is peaceful and pleasant.

So I urge you not to get involved in conversations that lead to strife. Avoid controversies over issues that don’t even matter, and refuse to be involved in gossip or tell other people’s secrets. I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit help you to be a person who avoids strife, restores peace, and spreads joy everywhere you go.

Adapted from the book Be Joyful by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2022 by Joyce Meyer. Published by Hachette Book Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pray: “Lord, I know the world we live in is filled with conflict. Please, train me to be a source of peace instead of strife. Help me maintain my joy—and be a source of joy—in stressful situations. With You helping me, I know I can have peace—and share that peace with others—in every situation. In Jesus’ name, amen.”