Proverbs 3:30: Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
Insight
We must not only guard against secret malice but against accusing a man for no reason. We must beware of becoming involved in quarrels instead of pursuing peace. A spirit of strife is a great hindrance to holiness and is inconsistent for any of God’s servants. Irritable people are always strongly insisting on their own rights, or what they imagine is due to them from other people. How we need to earnestly seek to have Christ’s own meek and loving spirit. “O Lord, pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace, and of all virtues; without which, whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee” (Sunday before Lent, from the Book of Common Prayer). 1
Application
Why do you want to pick a fight with someone who approaches ministry different from you? No sin has been committed. They may be looking to honor the Lord in a new spirit-led way. Just because the style of ministry or the emphasis of ministry may change, it does not give you the right to be contentious, or a complainer to others. Stop your striving! Instead of murmuring about your hurt feelings, how about thanking God for those who remain faithful to His Word during these days of apostasy.
Motivation
And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. – Matthew 5:41
To be contentious, instead of gracious, silences the Holy Spirit. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, empty me of striving, and fill me with a spirit of forgiving love for others.
1. Bridges, C. (2001). Proverbs. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
