Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war with your members?
James 4:1a-b
 
James is addressing fighting among the early Christians. He uses military terms here to describe the infighting that often happens in families, in workplaces, and in every kind of community. Why do we fight with one another? What causes disagreements in our lives?
 
James says that conflict starts within us, from our individual passions. He does not mean passion in the positive way of caring deeply for someone. He means self-gratification at any cost — in other words, hedonism and making ourselves the center of the world. Whenever someone or something gets in the way of our desires, we fight. This can lead to small battles or large drawn-out wars.  And that is where we need to focus this week.
 
Talk to God about the desires of your heart. What are your passions? Are these desires causing conflict in your life? Pray for the Holy Spirit to purify your heart.