Topical Encyclopedia In the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we find a profound example of avoiding strife and promoting peace. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation, humility, and love, even in the face of opposition and conflict.Teachings on Peace and Reconciliation Jesus' teachings often emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude underscores the value Jesus placed on those who actively seek to resolve conflicts and foster harmony. Furthermore, Jesus instructed His followers to prioritize reconciliation over religious rituals. He taught, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24). This directive highlights the importance of addressing interpersonal conflicts promptly and sincerely. Responses to Personal Attacks Jesus' own responses to personal attacks and provocations serve as a model for avoiding strife. When confronted with hostility, He often chose silence or a measured response. For instance, during His trial, when falsely accused by the chief priests and elders, "Jesus remained silent" (Matthew 26:63). His restraint in the face of false accusations exemplifies His commitment to peace over contention. Moreover, Jesus taught His disciples to respond to aggression with love and forgiveness. In the Gospel of Luke, He instructed, "But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). This radical call to love and bless one's adversaries challenges believers to transcend natural inclinations toward strife. Avoiding Political and Social Strife Jesus also avoided entanglement in political and social strife. When questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, He wisely replied, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Mark 12:17). This response not only avoided a political trap but also emphasized the distinction between earthly and divine obligations. Additionally, Jesus refrained from engaging in the political zealotry of His time. Despite the expectations of many for a militant Messiah, Jesus consistently taught about a kingdom "not of this world" (John 18:36). His focus on spiritual transformation rather than political upheaval further illustrates His commitment to avoiding strife. Encouragement to His Followers Jesus encouraged His followers to adopt a similar approach to conflict. In His farewell discourse, He assured them, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid" (John 14:27). This promise of peace serves as both a comfort and a call to live in a manner that reflects His peace. The Apostle Paul, echoing the teachings of Christ, urged believers to "live in harmony with one another" and to "not be haughty, but associate with the lowly" (Romans 12:16). This exhortation aligns with the example set by Jesus, who consistently modeled humility and unity. In summary, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide a compelling example of avoiding strife. Through His actions and words, He demonstrated the virtues of peace, reconciliation, and love, offering a timeless model for His followers to emulate in their own lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 42:2He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:15-19 Luke 9:52-56 1 Peter 2:23 Library Of Avoiding Heresies and Superstitions, and what is the Only True ... 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Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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