Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition that the Bible consistently advises believers to avoid. The Scriptures provide numerous exhortations and examples that underscore the importance of living in peace and unity, reflecting the character of Christ.Biblical Exhortations Against Strife The New Testament frequently addresses the issue of strife, urging believers to pursue peace and harmony. In Romans 12:18, the Apostle Paul writes, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive emphasizes the believer's responsibility to foster peace, as far as it depends on them. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul admonishes the Corinthian church, 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?" Here, strife is associated with worldliness and immaturity, contrasting with the spiritual maturity expected of believers. James 3:16 further highlights the destructive nature of strife: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This passage links strife with chaos and evil, warning that such conditions are contrary to the wisdom that comes from above, which is "first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere" (James 3:17). The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of avoiding strife. Throughout His ministry, He demonstrated a commitment to 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 underscores the value placed on peacemaking, aligning it with the identity of God's children. Moreover, Jesus' interactions with others often diffused potential conflict. When confronted with hostility, He responded with wisdom and grace, as seen in His dealings with the Pharisees and other religious leaders. His approach was not one of contention but of truth spoken in love. Practical Steps for Avoiding Strife Believers are encouraged to actively pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:2-3 advises, "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." This passage highlights key virtues such as humility, gentleness, and patience, which are essential in maintaining harmony. Additionally, Philippians 2:3-4 instructs, "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." By prioritizing the needs and well-being of others, believers can prevent strife and promote a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping believers avoid strife. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are antithetical to strife and are cultivated in the life of a believer who walks in step with the Spirit. In summary, the Bible clearly instructs saints to avoid strife, emphasizing the pursuit of peace and unity as a reflection of Christ's character and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Through humility, love, and reliance on the Spirit, believers can overcome the temptations of discord and live in harmony with one another. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 13:8And Abram said to Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray you, between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we be brothers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:3 Library But God Wanted not Power to Make Man Such as that He Should Not... Instructions and Counsels to Confessors and Spiritual Directors. On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ... Letter xvii. --Remorse and Rebellion. Letter i. The Christian's Mark. Concerning Peaceableness On Christian Doctrine In Four Books. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Concerning Lowliness of Mind. 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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