Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition that believers are admonished to avoid and seek protection from through God's guidance and strength. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of strife and the importance of seeking divine intervention to overcome it.Biblical Understanding of Strife Strife is often depicted in Scripture as a destructive force that can lead to division and hinder the unity of the body of Christ. Proverbs 17:14 warns, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This verse highlights the potential for strife to escalate and cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the issue of strife among believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:3 , he admonishes the church in Corinth, saying, "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 in the faith, indicating that it is contrary to the spiritual growth and harmony expected of believers. Seeking God's Protection from Strife The Bible encourages saints to seek God's protection and wisdom to navigate and overcome strife. In Psalm 55:9 , David prays, "O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city." This plea for divine intervention underscores the belief that God can disrupt and dismantle the plans of those who sow discord. James 3:16-17 provides further insight into the spiritual approach to handling strife: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." Believers are encouraged to seek the wisdom that comes from God, which promotes peace and harmony rather than conflict. Practical Steps for Believers To avoid and address strife, believers are called to embody the virtues of humility, patience, and love. Ephesians 4:2-3 instructs, "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." These qualities are essential in fostering an environment where strife is minimized and unity is preserved. Furthermore, prayer is a powerful tool for seeking God's protection from strife. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, believers can find peace and protection from the turmoil that strife can bring. Conclusion While strife is a common challenge in human relationships, the Bible provides clear guidance for believers to seek God's protection and wisdom in overcoming it. By embodying the virtues of humility, patience, and love, and through prayer and reliance on divine wisdom, saints can navigate strife and maintain the unity and peace that God desires for His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 35:1Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 18:19 Library A Spiritual Revival "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith. Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. The Treatise Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Letter xxix. (AD 395. ) The Gospel Refuge. Heralds of the Morning. 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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