Since we are in a spiritual battle continuously, we can't afford to indulge in strife. If you think that a certain amount of strife is just normal; the way you're supposed to live---you're dead wrong. God is a God of peace, and we were created in his image. The fruit of His Spirit working in our life in his peace. Therefore, our life should be full of peace, not strife. I am not saying that we will ever live totally free from all strife from every source, but you should never just accept it, indulge it, or promote it. You should actively stand against and fight it, recognizing that every time you get into strife and door is open for anything that the devil wants to do in your life. Satan has access to you and control over you when you're in strife or in other disobedience to the Word. You have given it to him.
I used to get physically ill when my dear wife and I would partake in strife. Furthermore, the lasting effects were not easy to get over. The issue was long gone and yet the effects remained and seemed to build a blockage to our normal kind and loving demeanors. If you would ask either one of us; we would tell you that we had no intention of being in the condition of strife. We could be laughing, loving, and just generally having a good time. Out of the blue, strife would somehow entered the picture and ruin our mood----and the evening or day to boot. Recovery was not always easy; and sometimes took days.
So my dear brothers and sisters, realize that strife is not of God. It is a pure and simple work of the adversary---Satan. He wants nothing more than to ruin your relationship or marriage. Now, that you know that, you can counteract his cruelty by rebuking Him by the power of Jesus Christ who gives you authority to use His power. We are no match for Satan on our own, but the power of Jesus Christ and the authority He gives us to use it has already defeated the worlds biggest deceiver.
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