Proverbs 16:28 & Proverbs 18:1

Strife is defined as, “vigorous or bitter conflict, discord, or antagonism.” Troublemakers plant seeds of strife, that's what my NLT Bible says. Discord and conflict are the absence of peace. While we cant be peaceful ALL the time, we shouldn't live in strife. We shoukdb’t cause it for others either.

Gossip is very bad. Some Christians use prayer requests as a way to gossip. That's just not cool. Honestly, I struggled with that a little bit YEARS ago. I think we use gossip to feel better about ourselves. If someone else's life is worse than ours, we feel better. But that's NOT Godly and it DOES ruin friendships. AVOID gossip at all costs! Stop conversations if it starts.

Jesus came to serve and teach us how to serve. We should put others above ourselves in every relationship. This doesn’t mean to not take care of yourself (ouch my toes) and/or letting people abuse you. Being friendly is a choice. You can be friendly instead of being mean. Ultimately, we should treat others the way we want to be treated- just like Jesus said!