Strife

Growing up, my siblings and I were constantly in “survival mode” because we were taught that we must fight for what we needed in life.

Over and above the sibling rivalry, there was constant strife among neighbors in our little community.

I recall there was strife among family and so-called friends, everyone worked hard to earn a living and competed against each other.

In fact, the entire country was in strife during my childhood because I was raised in the apartheid era (discrimination on grounds of race). For these reasons, Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, “The Beatitudes” did not make sense to me.

As an adult, I began desiring an intimate relationship with God, as I began to mature spiritually, I learnt about something that I never heard of before, “STRIFE” in the Christian context.

I learnt that strife can destroy a person emotionally, financially, it can break homes, or even kill a person, little bit of strife is dangerous. When a person's heart is filled with bitterness, hatred and pride, it invites evil spirits into their lives and everyone around them; things will fall apart and plans made with a strife mind will fail. Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Mark 3:25

If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Galatians 5:15

But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

During my spiritual transformation, I’ve become conscious to Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, “The Beatitudes”.

“The Beatitudes” are eight powerful weapons available for us to use to destroy the “devil’s tool” which is STRIFE. Additionally, I view the Beatitudes as eight acts of faith due to us completely surrendering to our Heavenly Father. Turning the other cheek means giving God the control, it exudes power, love, sound mind and strength. Don't fight back, speak rationally, just as Jesus spoke to the Pharisees, He imparted wisdom with authority instead of arguing.

Kingdom mindset

The Beatitudes teaches us how to have a Kingdom mindset, it comes with great "Kingdom" benefits, such as: "Peacemakers will be called Children of God", or "the humble will inherit the earth". I find this encouraging knowing that God redeems, restores and blesses us. The Beatitudes might be difficult to follow, but it is powerful and causes you to win every battle in your life, it promises a blessed and prosperous future, you will always be victorious.

The Sermon on the Mount - “The Beatitudes”- Matthew 5:1-12

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Keep the peace.

God Bless you

From Natlie Loots