We’ve all experienced the effects of strife in one way or another. Strife can manifest itself through arguing, screaming and yelling. Other times, it can be more subtle, like when someone gives you “the silent treatment” and refuses to talk at all.
The dictionary defines strife as “bickering, arguing, a heated disagreement or an angry undercurrent.”
I think maybe the most dangerous form of strife is an angry undercurrent, because it’s not as easy to recognize. It’s something you can feel in the atmosphere. You know something’s not quite right, but no one wants to address it. Maybe nothing is specifically said, but it’s quite clear that everything is not okay.
See Also: How to have peace in the midst of turmoil
In the early years of my marriage, I perfected the art of arguing with my husband, Dave, without having to say a word. I spent entire Saturdays stomping around the house and cleaning every room, ignoring him for hours at a time. Thankfully, Dave was a peacemaker and mature enough to not give in to my tantrums!
You see, Satan works endlessly to try and fill our lives with strife—our marriages, businesses, churches, schools and relationships. Why? Because he knows how powerful it is when God’s children walk in peace and unity.
Psalm 133:1 (NIV) says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” It then goes on, in verses 2-3, to give an illustration of what unity is like.
See Also: 10 ways to bring peace into your life
