Five Ways to Avoid Strife!

 I am not Ophrah!  I promise I will not have my photo in every blog.  This is the last one I'll post to celebrate my recovery!  Yesterday marked week six and I went hiking (only a mile) with my husband, so I felt it deserved a photo.  Thank you again to all who prayed and sent good wishes.  God has put me back on my feet and I'm ready to move into all that lies ahead. 

 I've been reading in I and II Timothy this past week and have been struck by Paul's teaching on strife.  Because it is so human to get irritated, annoyed, and totally frustrated with people from time to time, let me share some thoughts on this topic that might help you, even this summer!

                                                                   Strife and Scripture

In the past few weeks I listened to a mom's anguish as she talked about the hurtful ways she spoke to her family.  She was raised to be truthful, but hadn't seen that some things don't need to be said or, if necessary, can be couched in loving and positive words.  She doesn't want to be the source of strife in her home. 

I also sensed the potential for strife in a group I've attended where different opinions and solutions could easily divide. 

A third reminder of how easily strife rears its ugly head came from listening to critical words about one sibling from another. 

Having different opinions, different perspectives, or different objectives is part of being human. Your kids, your spouse, your mom or your boss have every right to see things differently.  Differences are understandable--but how you and I respond to those differences determines whether the outcome honors God and furthers His purposes, or just becomes an opportunity for us to let off steam! 

 Here's five ways to avoid strife that come straight from II Timothy 2:22-24.  As Paul says in the next chapter of II Timothy, "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for instruction,"  so chew on these:

• Make it your determined aim to have peaceful and harmonious relationships as much as you can
• Refuse to argue and divide over issues that don't really matter--let it go
• Don't be a quarrelsome person--that's hardly a badge the Lord's servants (you and me) should wear
• Pray for and practice being kind, mild-tempered and quick to build people up--not blow them up!
• If correction is needed, be polite and courteous, praying that what you say brings them to Christ

Do you struggle with bickering, arguing, and feeling at odds with members of your family, your friends, or those you work with?  What are you doing about it?  Scripture is full of help--search it, pray over it, and practice it.  Ask the Holy Spirit for help to become a woman known for her gentleness, one who avoids strife and builds others up.  It can happen--God promises!

Poppy