Abandon the quarrel

The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore, abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.

(Proverbs 17:14)

Most of the time, this world is in some form of strife. We see one 'battle' settle down, only to observe another start right up. As long as humans are human, strife will exist. As long as Christ inhabits humans, there will always be peacemakers and peacekeepers! A small break in a dam may seem insignificant at first, but the first big storm that comes along will 'prove' the integrity of the dam even more, won't it? The integrity of one's heart is proven whenever the 'big storms' of life come into our relationships. 

Abandoning a quarrel may seem like a big thing to ask because we all have the opinion our 'issue' is the biggest one in the midst of the quarrel, don't we? We might not realize the damage the 'small crack' is doing in our spirit and soul, but when we ignore it, the 'crack' becomes bigger until there is no holding back what is behind it. This is why God asks us to "Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down." (Ephesians 4:6)

All strife has a beginning point, but will it always have an end point? Not always. There are times the strife of yesterday only lends to the strife of today, making the one who has held onto that strife downright miserable. Miserable people find ways to let that misery ooze into the lives of those around them, don't they? In terms of 'carrying over' the strife of one day into another, let me assure you I have been guilty of that very thing on occasion. Let me be the first to admit that it did me absolutely no good. The misery caused by holding it and almost coddling it wasn't worth it!

Conflict is inevitable since we all have differing opinions, beliefs, and even desires. The more we nurture conflict, the less peace we will enjoy in our own lives. The lives of others are soon affected by the deep conflict we experience within, until it is almost unbearable to be around us. Conflicted people create strife repeatedly - their behavior reveals the conflict time and time again. We never want to become one of those 'strife infected' individuals. Abandon the quarrel - embrace peace. It will benefit more than just you! Just sayin!