Strife

Duane Sheriff Ministries - Messages

Duane teaches the danger and impact of strife in our relationships and spiritual lives. Strife is an issue that many people do not recognize in their lives, and it can be as destructive as sins like adultery. Strife can ruin marriages, churches, and personal relationships, causing confusion and hindering the manifestation of God's word in our lives.

Strife is often rooted in envy and pride, creating an environment where every evil work can flourish. James Chapter 3 illustrates how strife stems from self-seeking and bitter envy, leading to confusion and disorder. Strife and self-centeredness open the door to demonic influences and every evil practice. To overcome this, believers must learn to recognize conflict, avoid it, and pursue wisdom that is pure, peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy.

God's wisdom promotes peace and unity, recognized by purity, gentleness, willingness to yield, and mercy. In contrast, earthly wisdom is recognized by bitterness, jealousy, and strife. Believers should be God-centered and others-minded rather than self-seeking to nurture better relationships. Utilizing God's wisdom will avoid conflict in marriages, church leadership, and everyday relationships, manifesting heavenly blessings and peace. On the other hand, the earthly wisdom of this world is bitterness, jealousy, and strife.

Striving for harmony and rejecting divisive behavior are crucial. Love, as demonstrated by Jesus, seeks to avoid harm and create a conflict-free environment, allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely and bless the congregation. The unwavering commitment to God's principles of love, unity, and wisdom from above is the key to combating strife.