INTRODUCTION

If one did not know the nature of man, he would immediately dismiss Proverbs 17:19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
See All... as impossible. Surely there is no way that any man, woman, boy, or girl would love strife. Strife is like 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 by pride (Proverbs 13:10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
See All...) and harms the 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...). How could anyone love strife? Unfortunately, the flesh loves to rebel against the laws of God. It finds pleasure in transgression. It is not satisfied unless the Lord is displeased. So man, even though he knows all the downfalls of strife, craves to partake in it and is not satisfied unless there is some conflict.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller 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 pride caused him to "seek the young child to destroy him." He harmed 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...).
• Do you enjoy seeing people argue? Do you enjoy participating in arguments? Do you seek to stop arguments, even if it means you lose the battle?
• Why do you love strife? Why do you seek to stir up strife when 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!

LTB DEVOTIONS ON FACEBOOK

Receive the daily devotions on your facebook wall by clicking "Like" on http://www.facebook.com/kingjamesbibledailydevotions.