If there is anything plaguing relationships, marriages, families, churches, even nations today, it is offenses that result in anger, arguments, violent exchanges, and even hatred. On the surface things might seem okay, but below, an undercurrent of anger is often brewing. You feel it in the atmosphere, and one way or the other, everything else is impacted by it. Unless we recognize and confront what the Bible refers to as the root cause of strife, we cannot resolve these issues that plague our homes and families.

The question facing us here is this: how do we live in agreement? In other words, how can we disagree agreeably?

“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." - Mat 18:19

The power of unity cannot be overemphasized. God says that harmony is very powerful in all contexts. When we agree, our prayers become so powerful. Anything we ask is answered.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore." - Psa 133:1-4

The anointing—the power and presence of God is manifested in our lives in an atmosphere of unity. Without unity in a home, there can be no anointing. Whatever you want to do, be sure it is done in unity and you will enjoy the presence of God in your life. Does it surprise you that Satan is doing everything he can to bring about rancor in our families? The blessing of God flows in unity.

Let us learn to keep strife out. Sometimes this means we have to take the initiative to adapt and adjust to others. Strife manifests in avoiding one another, criticism, malice, and so on. Love, on the other hand, always finds a way to make things happen. The key is in emphasizing areas of agreement, rather than disagreement. In reality, we will never always agree with one another on everything. We need to learn to leave a small window open when we disagree by saying, “I just may be wrong.” Don't slam that door shut by insisting on the other person being at fault. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Learn to yield.

"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there." - Jam 3:16

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." - Rom 12:16

If we don’t get along, we end up messing a lot of things up.

We cannot talk about anger without talking about pride.

By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. - Pro 13:10

Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you should speak to this people who have spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist! And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!’” - 1 Kings 12:10-11

A proud and haughty man— “Scoffer” is his name; He acts with arrogant pride. - Pro 21:24

He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered. - Pro 28:25

Also, greed is a big issue. Why? Because greedy people are never satisfied no matter what they have.

So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. - Pr 1:19

Greed robs you of your entire life. Let us learn to be satisfied with what we have, and not be resentful and jealous of what others have. God wants us to be happy where we are at, while we are on the way to where we are going.

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? - Jam 4:1

Instead of striving for what God hasn’t given us, why don’t we simply ask God and trust Him? And if He doesn’t, then let it go! Don’t get in strife to get what God hasn’t given to you. Avoid being jealous of others for what God has given them. Greed is what causes lust and covetousness. Rather, appreciate God for what He has done for you, and know that He loves you more than you love yourself.

Anger is dangerous. But beneath it are these issues which, if not dealt with, will cause us to be angry for all the wrong reasons and  get along with no one.