THE ROOT CAUSE IS STRIFE

8/28/2026

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." — James 3:16

Strife is more dangerous than we often realize. It is never accidental. It may begin with a disagreement, an offense, a misunderstanding, or a careless word, but if it is not dealt with, it can create an atmosphere where division, confusion, and disorder thrive.

The Bible says, “Where there is strife, there is disorder.” Strife doesn't build—it tears down. It doesn't unite—it divides. It doesn't produce peace—it produces confusion. Jesus said in Mark 3:24-25 “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

And the enemy understands the destructive power of division. What he cannot destroy from the outside, he often attempts to weaken from the inside. This is why we must be intentional about protecting the unity of the Spirit.

For example, suppose a brother or sister says something or does something that hurts you. Protecting the unity means you don't take the offense to everyone else—you take it to the person who offended you.

Jesus gave us the pattern in Matthew 18:15: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”

Notice the instruction: go to the person.

Don't turn your offense into a conversation with everyone else. Don't recruit people to your side. Don't spread the story and then call it “sharing.” Don't allow a personal offense to become a community problem.

If there is an issue, address it with the person involved—with humility, love, and a desire for restoration.

Sometimes protecting unity means having a difficult conversation. Sometimes it means choosing to forgive. Sometimes it means overlooking an offense. But whatever the situation, we must refuse to become carriers of division.

The goal is not to prove that you are right. The goal is to win your brother or sister and preserve the relationship.

Remember, the enemy would love to take one offense and turn it into division, one disagreement into resentment, and one misunderstanding into separation.

Don't give him that opportunity.

Listen to me, a church can have great vision, powerful preaching, talented people, and excellent programs, but if strife is allowed to grow, it will eventually affect everything. This virus called strife is the reason why many churches are not growing.

The Bible says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Notice that unity requires effort.

Child of God, don't become a tool through which the enemy introduces division into your family, your relationships, or your church.

Don't feed gossip. Don't spread offense. Don't entertain suspicion.

Protect the unity. Protect the love. Protect the peace. Grow the church.

We are stronger together.

God bless you

Faith-Filled Confession

I am a carrier of peace, love, and unity. I refuse to participate in strife, gossip, offense, or division. I walk in humility, forgiveness, patience, and love. I protect the unity of the Spirit and refuse to give the enemy a foothold in my relationships. My words build rather than destroy, and my presence brings peace rather than confusion. Where I am, love prevails, unity is strengthened, and strife loses its power. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.