What steps can prevent us from becoming "one who stirs up discord"?
Take the Warning Seriously
•Proverbs 6:19 puts “one who spreads discord among brothers” alongside lying and murder—sins God “hates” (Proverbs 6:16–19).
• Acknowledge that stirring strife is not a minor flaw but a grave offense. Reverent fear of God’s judgment motivates change (Proverbs 9:10).
Examine the Heart First• “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).
• Ask: What bitterness, jealousy, or pride pushes me to divide others? (James 3:14–16).
• Daily invite God’s searchlight: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23–24).
Guard the Tongue• “The tongue is a fire” (James 3:6). If the heart is the source, the tongue is the delivery system.
• Practical steps:
– Pause before speaking (Proverbs 15:28).
– Refuse to pass along unverified stories (Proverbs 17:4).
– Avoid sarcastic or cutting remarks; they stir resentment (Proverbs 12:18).
– Speak privately, never publicly, when correction is needed (Matthew 18:15).
Seek Peace—and Chase After It• “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Peace is an action verb.
• Be proactive:
– Bridge misunderstandings quickly (Ephesians 4:26).
– Offer conciliatory words: “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).
– Mediate, don’t instigate; be the first to suggest prayer, confession, or a shared meal (Romans 12:18).
Build Up with Truth and Love• “Let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
• Ask before speaking: Will these words strengthen faith, or fracture fellowship?
• Share Scripture, testimonies, and encouragement that promote unity (Ephesians 4:29).
Cultivate Humility• “With humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). Pride fuels discord; humility disarms it.
• Actively esteem others as more important (Philippians 2:3).
• Be teachable, willing to yield in non-essentials (James 3:17).
Practice Quick Forgiveness• “Bear with one another and forgive… just as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
• Holding grudges fertilizes gossip; releasing offenses uproots strife (Proverbs 10:12).
Stay Filled with the Spirit• The flesh produces “strife, jealousy, fits of rage” (Galatians 5:20), but the Spirit yields “love, peace, patience” (Galatians 5:22).
• Regular prayer, Scripture intake, and obedience keep the Spirit’s fruit fresh and discord at bay (Ephesians 5:18–21).
Invite Accountability• “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Trusted believers help spot divisive habits early.
• Welcome correction; it is protection (Proverbs 9:8–9).
• Commit with friends or family to call out gossip, sarcasm, or harshness the moment it surfaces.
By taking these deliberate, Scripture-anchored steps, we forsake the path of the discord-sower and walk in the peace that God loves and blesses.
