Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition that the Bible consistently warns against, particularly in the context of Christian ministry. The New Testament provides clear guidance on how ministers should conduct themselves, emphasizing the importance of avoiding strife in their preaching and teaching.Biblical Warnings Against Strife The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, frequently addresses the issue of strife and its detrimental effects on the church. In 2 Timothy 2:24-25 , Paul instructs Timothy, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." This passage underscores the necessity for ministers to avoid quarrels and instead approach others with kindness and patience. Similarly, in Titus 3:9 , Paul advises, "But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless." Here, the emphasis is on steering clear of disputes that do not edify the church or contribute to spiritual growth. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ, the ultimate model for Christian ministry, exemplified a life free from strife. His teachings and interactions were marked by peace and reconciliation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude highlights the value placed on peace over conflict, a principle that ministers are called to embody in their preaching. The Role of Love and Unity The New Testament frequently links the avoidance of strife with the pursuit of love and unity within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:2-3 , Paul exhorts believers, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ministers are tasked with fostering an environment where love and unity prevail, which inherently requires the absence of strife. Practical Implications for Ministers Ministers are called to be shepherds of their congregations, guiding them in truth and love. This responsibility includes addressing issues that may lead to strife and handling them with wisdom and grace. James 3:17-18 provides a framework for this approach: "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." In their preaching, ministers should focus on edifying the church, promoting peace, and encouraging believers to live in harmony with one another. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ and fulfill their calling as servants of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 1:15,16Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Various Experiences --Continued The Great Schism Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction. The Sound in the Mulberry Trees Self-Humbling and Self-Searching An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... The Netherlands and Scandinavia. The Netherlands and Scandinavia 1 Cor. Iii. 3-Jan The First Sermon in the Tabernacle Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | 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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