Harmony and Discord Aren’t Friends

Conflict is never a desirable interaction, but God has deemed it necessary to produce spiritual growth in us and conformity into the image of Jesus Christ. But, LORD, is there another way? Nope! We must trust God's process! So this week, join our Devotional Team and be prepared for the challenge of the topic, "Resistance to Anger and Hate in Conflict."  Purpose to commit these scriptures to memory and watch what the Lord will do!

SCRIPTURE: “  “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27
SCRIPTURE: “But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:11

Discord is the strife and tension that arises when two sides disagree. Biblically we think of discord as spreading lies, gossiping, negative criticism, and backbiting. However, I submit to you that discord also shows itself when you respond negatively to people who “come for you”, act ungodly towards you, and/or offend you. The old you sowed seeds of discord knowingly and even unknowingly based on how you intend to respond to negative or uncomfortable situations when and if they arise. Ironically, the false belief that we can pick and choose when we act like a new creation also sows seeds of discord. As believers we should resist anger and hate when conflict arises. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 ) is what should govern our thoughts. But does it?

Half Holy-Half Hood; Pray With Me-Don’t Play With Me; My Personality Depends On Me But My Attitude Depends On You; I Match Energy were expressions that I thought made perfect sense. At one time I was all hood so as a work in progress Half Holy and Half Hood sounded like advancement. Moreover, warning people about the old me had to be helpful for everyone so Pray With Me Don’t Play With Me seemed fitting. Lastly, letting a person know that their energy could and would be matched seemed like a proper warning. If I’m honest there was a time when I purposed not to resist anger during conflict.

Me: “I’m holy with a Hint of hood – I’m a work in progress, Lord.”

The Lord: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Me:  “Pray with me Don’t play with me – You won’t like me when I’m angry!”

The Lord:  “But you have not learned that from Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus; you were taught, concerning your former conduct, to put off the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lust, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20-24)

Me: “My personality depends on me but my attitude depends on you: I match energy.”

The Lord:  “It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not be entangled again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for allowing the old man to overpower the new man. Forgive us for setting out to show others that just because we are Christians that we aren’t chumps. Give us, Lord, a desire to represent You accurately even when people attack us, even when people attack You. Remind us that it is impossible to be in harmony with You and be in contention with others. Help us, Lord, to be intentional about yielding to the Holy Spirit before strife occurs. Thank You, Lord, for so loving us that You gave Your only son so that our sins would be forgiven and we would have everlasting life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
By Sis. Pat Towns