Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, contention, and discord, is consistently portrayed in the Bible as contrary to the will of God. The Scriptures admonish believers to avoid strife and pursue peace, emphasizing the destructive nature of discord among individuals and communities.Biblical Warnings Against Strife The Bible provides numerous warnings against engaging in strife. In Proverbs 20:3, it is written, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." This verse highlights the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary conflict and the folly of engaging in quarrels. Similarly, Proverbs 17:14 advises, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." Here, the imagery of a breached dam underscores the potential for strife to escalate and cause widespread damage. Strife as a Work of the Flesh In the New Testament, strife is listed among the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:19-21 states, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Strife, as a manifestation of discord and dissension, is thus incompatible with the life of a believer who seeks to live by the Spirit. The Call to Peace and Unity The call to avoid strife is closely linked to the biblical exhortation to pursue peace and unity. Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse underscores the responsibility of believers to strive for peace as far as it depends on them. Furthermore, Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." The pursuit of peace and unity is a central tenet of Christian conduct, reflecting the character of Christ and the unity of the body of believers. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of one who avoided strife and embodied peace. In His teachings, Jesus emphasized the importance of reconciliation and peacemaking. In the Sermon on the Mount, He declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Christ's life and ministry were marked by a commitment to peace, even in the face of opposition and conflict. Practical Exhortations for Believers The apostle Paul provides practical exhortations for believers to avoid strife and cultivate peace. In 2 Timothy 2:23-24, he advises, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing." This passage highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary disputes and maintaining a spirit of kindness and patience. James 3:16-18 further contrasts the outcomes of strife with those of peace: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This passage underscores the blessings associated with peace and the righteousness that results from a life free of strife. In summary, the Bible consistently forbids strife, urging believers to pursue peace and unity as reflections of their faith and the character of Christ. Through the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to reject discord and embrace the peace that comes from living in accordance with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 3:30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done you no harm. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 25:8 Library Of the Feigned Patience of Some who Offer the Other Cheek to be ... Whether it is against the Natural Law to have Several Wives? In the Hour of Trial Letter xxii. (AD 392. ) Letter ii. The Temper of Christ Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Ninth Commandment Noah's Flood Protest and Agony. (I, iv. 10, 19, vi. 11, xi. 18-xii. 6, xv. 10 ... 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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