A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. ~Proverbs 29:22 ESV
Do you know someone who has a reputation as a strife-stirrer? Perhaps you have been the one who caused friction between or with others.
Synonyms for strife include conflict, battle, struggle, row, clash, clashes, contest, controversy, combat, warfare, rivalry, contention, quarrel, friction, squabbling, wrangling, bickering, animosity, discord, and dissension. None of these are listed as fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Strife would seem to be quite the opposite of peace. In John 14:26-27, Jesus describes peace that is found only through a personal relationship with him:
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Paul ends his second letter to the church at Thessalonica with this benediction in chapter 3, verse 16:
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
If you know a person given to anger and contention, stay away from them. The transgression they cause in abundance will affect you – and not for the better. Pray for them – from a safe distance.
If you are the source of conflict, repent (change your mind), and gain control of your anger. Ask the Lord of peace to forgive you of that sinful behavior, and replace it with the peace that only Jesus provides. His promise is that you can live in peace “at all times and in every way.”
Daily Proverbs 