Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition that the Bible consistently warns against, especially among believers. The presence of strife among saints is considered shameful and contrary to the teachings of Scripture, which calls for unity, peace, and love within the body of Christ.Biblical Warnings Against Strife The Bible provides numerous admonitions against strife, emphasizing its destructive nature and the shame it brings upon the community of believers. In Proverbs 17:14, the onset of strife is likened to the breaking of a dam: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This imagery underscores the potential for strife to escalate and cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the issue of strife within the church. In 1 Corinthians 3:3, he rebukes the Corinthian believers for their divisions, stating, "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not worldly and walking in a human way?" Here, strife is associated with worldliness and immaturity, highlighting its incompatibility with the spiritual maturity expected of saints. Strife as a Work of the Flesh Strife is listed among the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, where Paul contrasts the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. He writes, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, 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." Strife, as a manifestation of the flesh, is antithetical to the Spirit-led life that believers are called to pursue. The Call to Unity and Peace The Scriptures call believers to a higher standard of conduct, one that fosters unity and peace. 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 highlights the virtues that counteract strife and promote harmony among saints. Furthermore, in Romans 12:18, Paul exhorts, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive underscores the responsibility of each believer to actively pursue peace and avoid strife, as far as it depends on them. The Example of Christ The ultimate example for believers in avoiding strife is found in Jesus Christ. In Philippians 2:3-5, Paul encourages the church to adopt the mindset of Christ: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Christ's humility and selflessness serve as the model for believers to emulate, steering them away from strife and towards harmonious relationships. Conclusion Strife among saints is a serious issue that the Bible addresses with clear warnings and instructions. It is considered shameful because it contradicts the unity and peace that should characterize the body of Christ. Believers are called to reject strife and instead pursue the virtues of humility, gentleness, and love, following the example of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 12:20For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found to you such as you would not: lest there be debates, contentions, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults: Torrey's Topical Textbook James 3:14 Library Period i. The Apostolic Age: to Circa AD 100 How Controversies Originated at Alexandria through Matters ... Philip and St. Jerome Letter xxix. (AD 395. ) Second Sunday after Epiphany Sunday after Ascension Day Jehovah-Shammah: a Glorious Name for the New Year V. ... A Discourse On Index of Subjects. 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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