INTRODUCTION

Understanding man’s true nature makes today’s verse understandable and comprehensible. Ignoring the true reality of man’s constitution will lead the reader to refuse this Bible truth. Surely no man, woman, boy, or girl would love strife! Strife seems to be contrary to something we would deem lovable. After all, the Bible likens strife to the bars of a castle (Proverbs 18:19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
See All...), creating a prison for some and an impossible barrier for others. It is birthed through pride (Proverbs 13:10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
See All...) and harms those most innocent (Exodus 21:22-25 [22] If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. [23] And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, [24] Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, [25] Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
See All...). With these thoughts in mind, how could anyone love strife? The answer is quite simple. Man’s flesh desires to rebel against the laws of God. It finds pleasure in transgression and satisfaction in displeasing the Lord. So man, although aware of strife’s downfalls and pitfalls, craves strife and the resultant conflict.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Even though King Herod was a Jew, he cared nothing for God’s laws. The wise men asked him, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” Herod’s curiosity and pride caused him to “seek the young child to destroy him.” He chose to harm the innocent by slaying all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Do you enjoy seeing people argue? Do you enjoy participating in arguments? Do you seek to stop arguments even if it means you must swallow your pride in order to achieve a resolution?
• Would you ever admit that you love strife? Would you seek to stir it up once it seems to be dying out? Do you recognize this as sin and understand that you need to repent?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to forgive you for loving strife.
• Ask God to convict you when you participate in strife.

HYMN

Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

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