Topical Encyclopedia Strife, a term often associated with conflict, discord, and contention, is a recurring theme in the Bible, warning of its destructive consequences. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how strife can lead to mutual destruction, affecting individuals, families, communities, and nations.Biblical Definition and Context Strife is generally understood as bitter disagreement or conflict. In the biblical context, it often arises from pride, envy, and selfish ambition. The Apostle Paul warns against such behavior in his epistles, emphasizing the need for unity and peace among believers. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists strife among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like." Old Testament Examples The Old Testament provides vivid illustrations of how strife leads to mutual destruction. One notable example is the conflict between Cain and Abel, where jealousy and anger led Cain to commit the first murder (Genesis 4:1-8). This act of strife resulted in the destruction of their familial bond and brought a curse upon Cain. Another example is the strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, which threatened to destroy their relationship. Abram wisely proposed a peaceful solution to avoid further conflict, saying, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brothers" (Genesis 13:8). This decision prevented mutual destruction and preserved their familial ties. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the dangers of strife. James 3:16 states, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This passage highlights the chaos and evil that accompany strife, underscoring its destructive potential. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, urges believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but to value others above themselves (Philippians 2:3). This teaching is a direct counter to strife, promoting humility and unity as antidotes to conflict. Consequences of Strife The Bible consistently portrays strife as leading to negative outcomes. Proverbs 17:14 warns, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This imagery of a breached dam suggests that once strife begins, it can quickly escalate, causing widespread damage. In the context of the church, strife can lead to division and weaken the body of Christ. Paul admonishes the Corinthians for their quarrels and divisions, urging them to be united in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:10-11). Such divisions not only harm the individuals involved but also hinder the church's mission and testimony. Avoiding Strife The Bible offers guidance on avoiding strife and its destructive consequences. Proverbs 15:18 advises, "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms a dispute." Patience, humility, and a willingness to forgive are key virtues in preventing and resolving conflicts. Furthermore, Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount emphasize peacemaking as a blessed pursuit: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). By seeking peace and reconciliation, believers can avoid the mutual destruction that strife brings and instead foster harmony and unity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:15But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 'Salt in Yourselves' The Letter of the Church of Rome Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ... The Catholic Epistles. Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ... The Second Theological Oration. Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. "Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. " Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ... 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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