Proverbs 17:14
"The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts."
Ever see a small disagreement blow up into a major fight? It happens all too often . . . between husband and wife, between parent and child, between co-workers, or even between members of a church! Just like the dam that springs a small leak that builds into a catastrophe, an arguement often gets out of control and creates irreparable damage.
As a minister I've seen the damage done by conflict in the home and in the church, and it breaks my heart. I often wonder how people who claim to be Christians can be so ugly to one another. It certainly points to the fact that believers are not perfect (and we usually don't claim to be). When you consider how much conflict takes place in the world around us it's no wonder Jesus placed such an emphasis on being a peacemaker, or one who promotes harmony.
The best way to stop an arguement is to avoid having it in the first place. How can we do that? By prayer! You see, it is much more difficult to fight with someone you are praying for regularly. Want to avoid fights with your spouse? Pray for them! Want to avoid fights with your co-workers? Pray for them! Want to avoid fights with fellow church members? Pray for them!
Prayer will reinforce your "dam" and strengthen the relationships in your life. God desires to give you the means by which you can live your life in peace and harmony with all of your fellow believers, including family. The same Spirit dwells in all believers, therefore the more we are attuned to the Holy Spirit the lower the chance for conflict. So let's put the power of prayer to work in our lives and enjoy the enhanced relationships it will produce!
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