Strife

What is love? Love is an outgoing concern for others.

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) says "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

verse 20 (NKJV) If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

Matt 22:36-40 says that the great commandment is to love God and brethren.

(Mat 22:36-40 NKJV) "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" {37} Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' {38} "This is the first and great commandment.[Ex 20:3-11] {39} "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' [Lev 19:18] {40} "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

1 Cor 13, the Love Chapter, gives us about 16 characteristics of love. Be sure and read it.

Rom 13:10 (NKJV) says "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love <is> the fulfillment of the law."

But, strife is not love.

Sometime ago someone was talking to me about strife between family members. I don't think their situation was unique. But today we seem to have increasing strife between church organizations and hatred toward their leaders as well. The world we live in is pretty well described in the following two scriptures:

(Micah 7:1-8 NKJV) Woe is me! For I am like those who gather summer fruits, Like those who glean vintage grapes; There is no cluster to eat Of the first-ripe fruit which my soul desires. {2} The faithful man has perished from the earth, And there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; Every man hunts his brother with a net. {3} That they may successfully do evil with both hands; The prince asks for gifts, The judge seeks a bribe, And the great man utters his evil desire; So they scheme together. {4} The best of them is like a brier; The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge; The day of your watchman and your punishment comes; Now shall be their perplexity. {5} Do not trust in a friend; Do not put your confidence in a companion; Guard the doors of your mouth From her who lies in your bosom. {6} For son dishonors father, Daughter rises against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A man's enemies are the men of his own household. {7} Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me. {8} Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me.

What a picture of life today. The other scripture is:

(2 Tim 3:1-3) But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. {2} People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, {3} without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,

The bottom line of all this is strife, contention and quarrels, three words that refer to about the same frame of mind but which have slightly different connotations.

We have all heard sermons about love, but today I want to show you what the Bible says about strife, the destroyer of love, and how we should avoid strife.

Strife refers to conflicts, arguments, quarrels, hatred between people. I don't know how nations can be at war without there being strife between the nations involved. No, I am not talking about the strife of war. I am talking about strife between individuals.

What causes strife? There are many, many causes. I could mention the 16 characteristics of love shown in 1 Cor 13. But now I want to give you about 16 Biblical examples of the CAUSES of strife, both within worldly people and even within Churches of God:

1. HATRED causes strife.

Prov 10:12 says "Hatred stirs up strife (or dissension), ......"

John the Baptist was certainly a victim of hatred. Let's read about him in Mark 6:18-19:

For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." {19} So Herodias, the wife of Herod's brother Philip, nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.....(and finally had him killed).

2. PERVERSE AND VIOLENT PEOPLE cause strife.

How many of you have tried to discuss a point of disagreement with someone, only to have them totally blow up at you or make some irrelevant accusation? Some will blow up over some irrelevant point even if given a platform from which to begin the subject

Prov 16:27-29 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. {28} A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. {29} A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

3. An AGGRESSIVE nature causes strife.

Ever wonder why the rebellions of the twenties and sixties against social mores have resulted in such resentment and turmoil? Prov 17:19 tells us why:

Prov 17:19 He who loves transgression (or rebellion) loves sin; ......

Doesn't this describe rioters we see on TV these days?

4. SCOFFING causes strife.

Smart-mouths can cause instant hostility. If you are going to smart-off to someone, be sure you are speaking to very close friends who will not be offended by your smart-alec remarks. If you are constantly criticizing others, nobody wants to hear it.

Prov 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

5. ANGER causes strife.

Prov 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

When you are angry at a person, it's usually better to just shut up. Get over your anger, then talk to the individual in a cool-headed manner. If you are angry at a political event, temper your remarks in such a way that people aren't offended. You don't have to be angry to have righteous indignation.

6. FLESHLY MOTIVATION causes strife.

Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: Sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; {20} idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions {21} and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

James 4:1-2 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? {2} You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.

7. THE TONGUE causes strife. The example of Moses may not have resulted in strife, but it sure was BIG trouble.

Psa 106:32-33 By the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them; {33} for they rebelled against the Spirit of God, and rash words came from Moses' lips.

You might refer to Numbers 12 where Moses was denied access to the Promised Land because of the words he uttered.

James 3:2-12 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. {3} When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. {4} Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. {5} Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. {6} The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).

Let me digress here to remind you of the three meanings of the Greek word translated as "hell" in the New Testament:

Gehenna (fire) - from the valley of Hinnom where trash was thrown to be burned up.

Hades - means the grave or depository of dead bodies.

Tartaroo - means to incarcerate. The word is only used once: In 2 Peter 2:4 to describe the fate of certain fallen angels.

(Sheol is the equivalent OT Hebrew word for Hades and means 'the grave')

Continuing in verse 7 of James 3:

{7} All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, {8} but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. {9} With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. {10} Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. {11} Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? {12} My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

8. PRIDE causes strife.

Prov 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who do take advice.

This proverb was written to those who are too proud to consider others' positions.

9. CONTENTION OR DISAGREEMENT cause strife. Let's look at four examples:

Acts 15:36-41 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." {37} Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, {38} but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. {39} They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, {40} but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. {41} He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Prov 18:6 (Tanakh) The words of a fool lead to strife; His speech invites blows.
Jer 15:10 (Tanakh) Woe is me, my mother, that you ever bore me, a man of strife and conflict with all the land! I have not lent and I have not borrowed; yet everyone curses me.
Hab 1:3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention abounds.

10. DIVISIONS cause strife.

1 Cor 1:11-13 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. {12} What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." {13} Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

Notice that each person INSISTED on his own position, his own perspective, his own way. Each could not or would not see the forest for the trees. Does the same Spirit lead all of us, or is there a separate Holy Spirit for each of us? Shouldn't we, then, be of a common belief, but tolerant of others' views about details or understandings of a standard or law? Or is it "My way or the highway?"

11. A QUARRELSOME SPIRIT causes strife.

Gal 5:14-18 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." {15} If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. {16} So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. {17} For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. {18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the penalty of the law.

12. A SELF-SEEKING attitude causes strife.

Luke 22:24-27 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. {25} Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26} But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. {27} For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

This self-seeking attitude is what is at the heart of the arguments of those who believe there should be no authority in the church. For too long the former church acted as though the greatest was the one who ruled.

13. Doctrinal ARGUMENTS AND DISPUTES BETWEEN PEOPLE cause strife.

This is extremely rampant in larger Churchs today. Since groups of people began leaving the founding church and forming new groups - from those joining groups of thousands to those choosing to worship alone - there has been an increasing din of strife and criticism toward other groups and the leaders of those groups. Publications of the churches of God are full of subtle and not-so-subtle remarks about the beliefs of other churches; some even threatening disfellowship for those who read other group's literature or listen to their messages. However, the prevalent growth of apathy today may reduce this cause of strife.

2 Tim 2:14-16 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. {15} Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. {16} But shun profane <and> idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

State your own beliefs and understanding, explain why you believe what you do, then drop it. We do not have a responsibility for the conversion of others. Don't be on some personal crusade to destroy someone or some church which has differing views. Some groups and individuals even have web-sites and forums which drip with the blood of personal character assassination, even naming the victim, seemingly a demonstration and outgrowth of hate by the authors and supporters. We do have a responsibility for studying the issues and doing what we believe is right. So, if someone asks you why you believe what you do, be prepared to tell them. But your motivations must be pure, not revengeful. If you discover a wrong and feel motivated to express it as a criticism, attack the sin, not the sinner.

(Prov 20:22 NASB) Do not say, "I will repay evil"; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

[and] (Rom 12:19 NKJV) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

14. CONTENTIOUSNESS causes strife.

Prov 26:21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

15. ARROGANCE REGARDING DOCTRINE causes strife.

Here again, there are those who can not understand the meaning of, "I still disagree". I have found myself irritated at people who continually send me e-mails expounding their position and who will not take "no" for an answer. These same people will then turn to others and take your position to support theirs, naming you in the process. e.g. "Mr. X believes such and such and he knows he's wrong."

1 Tim 6:3-6 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, {4} he is conceited and understands nothing. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words that result in envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions {5} and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. {6} But godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

16. INDIGNATION causes strife.

Mat 20:20-24 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. {21} "What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom." {22} "You don't know what you are asking," Jesus said to them. "Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?" "We can," they answered. {23} Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father." {24} When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. (In others words, "Who do you guys think you are?")

Well, that's a lot of causes of strife. Some are obviously overlapping.

How do we avoid strife? Let me give you 10 ways:

1. BE SLOW TO ANGER - Develop patience.

Prov 15:16-18 (Tanakh) Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil. {17} Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox where there is hatred. {18} A hot-tempered man provokes a quarrel; but a patient man calms strife.

2. KEEP YOUR LIFE SIMPLE

Prov 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.

3. BE OBEDIENT TO CIVIL AUTHORITY

Titus 3:1-2 (NKJV) Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, {2} to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

I'll talk more about this principle a little later.

4. AVOID THE CONTENTIOUS

Prov 21:19 Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
Prov 19:13 A foolish son is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping.
Prov 20:3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
Prov 21:9 and 25:24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Repeated scriptures are put in the Bible for emphasis. In this case, Solomon certainly understood the true meaning of these verses and this next one.

Prov 27:15-16 A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; {16} restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.

5. AVOID CONTROVERSIES

Titus 3:9-11 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. {10} Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. {11} You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

I've already commented on my experience with the next verse. When I've followed these verses to a tee, it's worked perfectly.

Gen 13:7-11 And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. {8} So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. {9} Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left." {10} Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) {11} So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company:

6. ABANDON THE QUARREL

Prov 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

7. LIVE IN PEACE WITH EVERYONE This solution contains more scriptural support than any other category.

(Psa 119:165 NKJV) Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
(Mat 5:39-44 NKJV) "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. {40} "If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. {41} "And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. {42} "Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. {43} "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' {44} "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
(Luke 6:32 NKJV) "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. . . . .35 "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
(Rom 12:17-13:11 NKJV) [We've read parts of this before] Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. {18} If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. {19} Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. {20} Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." {21} Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. {13:1} Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. {2} Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. {4} For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. {5} Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. {6} For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. {7} Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear [i.e. respect] to whom fear [respect], honor to whom honor. {8} Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. {9} For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." {10} Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. {11} And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
(1 Cor 4:12 NKJV) And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
(1 Cor 5:11 NKJV) But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; not even to eat with such a person
(1 Cor 6:9-10 NKJV) Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, {10} nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

(Gal 5:15 NKJV) But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

(Gal 6:10 KJV) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

(1 Th 5:15 NKJV) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

(2 Th 3:6 NKJV) But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

(James 3:8-10 NKJV) But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. {9} With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. {10} Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

(1 Pet 2:20-25 NKJV) For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. {21} For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: {22} "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; {23} who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; {24} who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. {25} For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

(1 Pet 3:8-9 NKJV) Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; {9} not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

(1 John 2:9-11 NKJV) He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. {10} He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. {11} But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

(1 John 3:15 NKJV) Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

(1 John 4:20-21 NKJV) If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? {21} And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

James 3:8-10 spoke of an unruly, evil tongue. Here are some more scriptures which warn us of it and provide guidance on how to control it:

(Psa 34:12-14 NKJV) Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good? {13} Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. {14} Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

(Psa 19:14 NKJV) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

(Psa 51:15 NKJV) O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise
(Psa 141:3 NKJV) Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
(Prov 15:4 NKJV) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
(Prov 21:23 NKJV) Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

After reading these twenty-three scriptures about living in peace, do we get the point?

8. GENTLENESS

2 Tim 2:23-26 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. {24} And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. {25} Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, {26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

9. FORGIVENESS

Every fall about the time of the Feast of Trumpets and Day of Atonement, we give a sermon about Teshuvah. Teshuvah is a Hebrew word about total forgiveness. You can read about it on our web-site under the title of Days of Awe, but it concentrates on a scripture in the book of Matthew.

(Mat 6:14-15 NKJV) "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. {15} "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Col 3:12-17 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. {13} Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. {14} And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. {15} Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. {16} Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. {17} And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

10. UNITY OF MIND

Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. {4} Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also consider the interests of others.

We have looked at the results of strife, the avoidance of strife, and the avoidance of the unsavory characters who revel in it in eighty scriptures today. Some may say that is overkill, but if we are guilty of overkill, so is the Bible. Let's read one more scripture which provides us the end result we should all seek:

Psa 133:1-3 (NKJV) Behold, how good and how pleasant <it is> For brethren to dwell together in unity! {2} <It is> like precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down over the collar of his robe, on the edge of his garments. {3} <It is> like the dew of Hermon, that falls upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing; Life forevermore (i.e. everlasting life).

Note: parts of this sermon were adapted, with permission, from various articles in Hebrew Roots magazine.

Sermon given by Wayne Bedwell
July 20, 2013
Copyright 2013, Wayne Bedwell