Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition of the heart and behavior that Scripture warns against repeatedly. It is considered a work of the flesh and is incompatible with the life of a believer who seeks to inherit the kingdom of God. The Bible provides numerous admonitions against strife, emphasizing its destructive nature and its potential to exclude individuals from the blessings of eternal life.Biblical Warnings Against Strife The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Galatians, lists strife among the "works of the flesh." In Galatians 5:19-21 , he writes: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Here, strife is associated with rivalries and divisions, underscoring its role in fracturing relationships and communities. James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of strife in his epistle. In James 3:14-16 , he states: "But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Strife, fueled by jealousy and selfish ambition, leads to disorder and is contrary to the wisdom that comes from God. Strife as a Barrier to Heaven The New Testament consistently presents strife as a barrier to inheriting the kingdom of God. In Romans 13:13 , Paul exhorts believers: "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." The call to avoid dissension and jealousy is a call to reject strife and embrace a life of peace and unity. Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 3:3 , Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for their strife and divisions, saying, "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not worldly and walking in the way of man?" Strife is equated with worldliness, a state that is incompatible with the spiritual maturity expected of believers. The Call to Peace and Unity The antidote to strife is a life marked by peace, unity, and love. In Ephesians 4:1-3 , Paul urges the church: "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." The pursuit of peace and unity is a reflection of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Jesus Himself, in the Beatitudes, blesses the peacemakers, saying, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude highlights the divine approval and heavenly inheritance promised to those who actively seek to resolve strife and promote peace. Conclusion Strife, as a manifestation of the flesh, stands in stark opposition to the life of the Spirit. It is a serious impediment to inheriting the kingdom of God, as it disrupts the unity and peace that should characterize the body of Christ. Believers are called to reject strife and embrace a life of love, peace, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:20,21Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, jealousies, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Index of Subjects. Organically One. Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon. Holiness Demanded Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. What God is to Us. The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley Book xii. At Length, with the Holy Ghost Speeding Our Way... First Tractate. 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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