Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition that the Bible consistently warns against, especially for those who are called to live as saints. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the attitudes and behaviors that should define the lives of believers, emphasizing peace, unity, and love over strife and division.Biblical Exhortations Against Strife The New Testament offers numerous exhortations for believers to avoid strife. In Philippians 2:3, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" . This verse highlights the root causes of strife—selfish ambition and pride—and calls for humility as the antidote. James 3:16 further warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice" . This passage underscores the destructive nature of strife, linking it to disorder and evil, which are contrary to the life of holiness to which saints are called. The Call to Peace and Unity Saints are called to be peacemakers, as reflected in Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This call to peacemaking is a direct opposition to strife, urging believers to actively pursue reconciliation and harmony. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul urges the church 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" . This passage emphasizes the virtues that counteract strife—humility, gentleness, patience, and love—and the importance of maintaining unity. The Example of Christ The life and teachings of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate example for saints in avoiding strife. Jesus consistently demonstrated love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, even in the face of opposition and conflict. In John 13:34-35, He commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" . This commandment underscores love as the defining mark of a disciple, which inherently opposes strife. Practical Application for Believers Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and actions to ensure they are not acting from strife. Galatians 5:19-21 lists strife among the works of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" . Instead, believers are to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace, patience, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23). In Romans 12:18, Paul advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" . This instruction acknowledges the challenges of living in a fallen world but calls for a proactive pursuit of peace as far as it depends on the believer. Conclusion The biblical mandate for saints is clear: strife should have no place in the life of a believer. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to embody the peace, love, and unity that reflect the character of Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 2:3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Organically One. 'Into Thy Hands' Third Sunday Before Lent Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Devout Customs and Usages Sunday after Ascension Day The Church Triumphant Mr. HG Wells and the Giants Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | 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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