But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 2 Timothy 2:23 (NKJV)
We will never agree with everyone one on everything so we’ve got to learn to keep our personal convictions to ourselves.
This is very crucial because disagreement is the number one breeding ground for strife.
We don’t have to fight for acceptance or superiority.
We can keep clear of friction and fighting with others of differing or opposing opinions. We can and should avoid strife.
Even in the most intimate and harmonious relationship there’s bound to be differences in how people see and interpret the same issue.
Many times it’s better to let yourself be the one who’s wrong, misunderstood, or a fool in order to stay clear of unnecessary collision and conflict.
Wanting, insisting, and fighting for your own way is a cause of strife.
James 4:1 (MSG) Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves.
The cure for this is yielding to and walking in the love of God. Because love does not insist on its own way.
1 Corinthians 13:5 (AMPC) …Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking….
Avoid strife by avoiding foolish and ignorant disputes. What are these? Fruitless disputes about religion, what my church believes contrary to yours, what their denomination teaches as opposed to ours.
Titus 3:9 (NLT) Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.
Then other times in certain cases we just have to let go and part ways with those whom it’s conclusively clear that we’ll never see eye to eye because two cannot walk together unless they agree. Amos 3:3 (NLT) Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
So avoid strife by keeping clear of those who are disruptive and divisive.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NIV) In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.
