Stop the arguments already!

Disagreements happen all the time. Everyone has an individual point of view. We all want  to be heard. Most of the time we want people to agree with our viewpoints. However, the truth is that people will disagree with us much of the time.  This is normal and it is why we need policies, laws and courts. Some of the time, we can iron out our differences by discussing our views and resolving our issues. The Lord Jesus taught us if we have a disagreement with another person, the right thing to do is to go directly to them and speak to them about the issue (Matthew 18:15). Actually, it is honorable when we can put arguments to rest. Proverbs 20:3 (TPT) says: “A person of honor will put an argument to rest. Only the stupid want to pick a fight.” When I was young, I hated when a bully would come and push me, trying to goad me into a fight. He was trying to pick a fight. Most of the time, I would walk away. Sometimes, the bully would continue to walk toward me trying to pick a fight, but when I would  refuse to fight him, he would eventually give up. The message Bible has an interesting take on this. In Proverbs 30:33 (MSG), it says: “If you’re dumb enough to call attention to yourself by offending people and making rude gestures, Don’t be surprised if someone bloodies your nose. Churned milk turns into butter; riled emotions turn into fist fights”. We can either be a peacemaker, or allow ourselves to to be caught up in never-ending arguments and offenses. One mindset comes from the flesh, pride and arrogance. The other comes from a mature, honorable mindset that pleases God and promotes peace and restoration. Choose this day which path you will follow.

Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God”.

God Himself instructed us to do this!

There is a verse where God speaks directly to His people. He gives them instructions which, if they obey Him, He will hear them, forgive them, and release healing on their land. Here it is. Make sure you read it several times:
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Did you read it several times. First He says: “If my people…” He is speaking to us! This is for the church! The first thing He commands us to do is to “HUMBLE OURSELVES!” Arrogance and pride must not exist among us! The second thing is: PRAY. Are we praying for our families, our church, our community, our nation, or are we only complaining about everything around us? Pray more and complain less! the third thing is: SEEK HIS FACE. That means that it has to be a priority to us. Instead of seeking only material things, we need to seek Him first. The rest shall be added. The final instruction is: TURN FROM OUR WICKED WAYS. this denotes repentance and. genuine turning away from our sinful habits (actions, words, thoughts, intents). If we would genuinely obey God in these four instructions, we would experience a supernatural manifestation of healing, restoration, joy, and answer to our prayers. Don’t wait for others. Start this process yourself. God sees our individual actions, and He will respond to the one who obeys these instructions!