Cease From Strife And Shine:
Saints of God, I came to preach a word tonight that’ll heal some hearts and fix some homes! The Bible says in (Proverbs 20:3), “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” In other words; there’s no power in pettiness, no strength in stirring, and no victory in vengeance; the honour is in walking away with peace in your heart! Strife, Church, is like a fire; and once you light it, you can’t control what it burns. That’s why (Proverbs 17:14) warns, “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with.”
“Leave it alone!” Because once you let that strife out, it spreads like a flood! Listen, y'all — it’s not weakness to walk away; it’s wisdom! (Proverbs 19:11) says, “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.” ...You wanna see real strength? Watch a person who can hold their peace when they could’ve clapped back! Watch a believer who refuses to fight fire with fire, because they know the Holy Ghost is their defense!
Oh, the Word says in (Proverbs 15:1), “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” ...Sometimes it’s not about winning the argument; it’s about keeping your anointing! You don’t need to have the last word when God already has the final say! And Church, don’t miss this — strife is a fruit of the flesh, not of the Spirit! (James 3:16–17) says, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” ...You can’t carry peace and strife in the same heart; one will drive the other out!
That’s why (Romans 12:18) says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” In other words; even if they hate you, lie on you, or mistreat you; you stay in peace. Let God fight your battles! Peace isn’t passive; it’s powerful! (2 Timothy 2:23–24) says; “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men.” ...The true mark of God’s servant isn’t how loud you can argue, it’s how well you can love! The world tells you to “get even,” but Jesus said in (Matthew 5:9) “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” When you make peace, you’re not weak; you’re walking like your Father! You’re showing the DNA of Heaven!
Saints, strife divides churches, destroys friendships, and kills blessings. But peace builds, peace heals, peace preserves. (Hebrews 12:14) commands, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” In other words; peace isn’t optional; it’s essential!
So this day, I want to encourage you to cease from strife and walk in peace! Stop feeding the fire and start speaking life! When anger rises, choose grace.
When gossip calls, stay silent. When conflict comes, lift your hands and say, “Lord, let Your peace rule in my heart!” Because the enemy can’t fight a believer who refuses to fight back. You win when you hold your peace! You triumph when you trust the Lord! You honor God when you let go and let Him handle it!... Are you done with strife? Are you walking in peace? Are you staying in the Spirit? Because it is an honour for a man to cease from strife and that honor belongs to those who walk with God! Glory to God!