No Room for Discord

Galatians 5: 22:26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another…

Heavenly Father, as we journey to the end of this summer season, we pray for spiritual strength and endurance to walk according to Your Spirit. Help us sow seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. When we walk in the Spirit, we are better able to avoid unnecessary conflicts over nonessential matters, and our shared purpose with fellow believers becomes greater than our differences.

Father God, search our hearts and minds, and reveal the ways we contribute to discord within the body of Christ—through arguments in our families and division among our friends, coworkers, and communities. Show us where we insist on having our own way and refuse to extend mercy and grace. Forgive us for the times we have turned people against one another, damaged reputations, or led others down paths of dissent and division. Expose the moments when our words have been careless, when we have failed to give honor where honor is due, and when our actions have undermined the very work You are building. Reveal to us the times when, by opposing others in sinful ways, we have actually set ourselves against You. Lord, we repent.

Gracious God, help us examine ourselves and recognize where we fall short of Your glory and distort Your Gospel. Teach us to fully surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so we may live as faithful ambassadors of Your love, mercy, and grace. Today and every day, we seek victory in Christ Jesus over all things, including our fleshly desires. Father, may our lives reflect Your glory today and all our days to come. Oh God, let it be so. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray and give thanks. Amen.