Strife is conflict, discord, and contention between individuals or groups. It is the opposite of peace and unity. The Bible has a lot to say about strife and offers guidance on how to deal with it.
Causes of Strife
According to the Bible, some of the causes of strife include:
- Pride – Proverbs 13:10 says, “By pride comes nothing but strife.” Pride leads people to promote themselves at the expense of others.
- Selfish ambition – James 3:16 says that where there is selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
- Gossip and slander – Proverbs 16:28 warns that a whisperer separates close friends. Gossip often incites and spreads strife.
- Anger – Proverbs 29:22 says that “An angry person stirs up conflict.” Uncontrolled anger often provokes strife.
- Jealousy and envy – James 3:16 also mentions that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder.
- Differing desires – When people want different things, strife can arise as they oppose one another (James 4:1-2).
- Sinful nature – Galatians 5:19-21 describes strife as a deed of the flesh, flowing from our sinful nature.
In summary, strife arises from the selfish, sinful condition of the human heart. Pride, jealousy, anger and lack of self-control contribute to strife between individuals and groups.
Effects of Strife
The Bible repeatedly warns about the damaging effects of strife:
- It ruins relationships – Strife causes friends and even family members to become enemies (Proverbs 16:28, 17:19).
- It affects your health – Proverbs 12:25 and 15:13 indicate that anxiety or heartache can result from conflict with others.
- It hinders effectiveness – On a team or in an organization, strife impedes progress as energy is diverted to conflict (Philippians 2:3).
- It invites God’s discipline – 1 Corinthians 3:3 says that jealousy and strife are evidence of worldliness in the church, hindering spiritual growth.
- It grieves the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 4:30-32 teaches that bitterness, wrath and anger grieve the Holy Spirit of God.
Overall, strife takes a heavy toll on relationships and spiritual vitality. Scripture portrays it as a detrimental force that must be stopped.
Biblical Solutions for Strife
Thankfully, the Bible not only diagnoses the problem of strife but also provides solutions. Here are some biblical strategies for dealing with strife:
- Confess your own contribution – Before condemning others, examine your own heart and confess ways you are contributing to strife (Matthew 7:3-5).
- Seek and grant forgiveness – Strife cannot be resolved without forgiveness. We must seek it from others (James 5:16) and humbly grant it when wronged (Colossians 3:13).
- Pursue peace – As much as possible, seek to live at peace with others (Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14).
- Exercise self-control – Strife escalates when anger is unrestrained. We must be slow to anger and avoid hurtful speech (James 1:19-20).
- Act in love – Scripture commands us to treat others with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Philippians 2:1-4, Colossians 3:12-14). This leaves no room for strife.
- Focus on unity – Dwell on what you have in common with others in Christ rather than differences (Philippians 2:2).
- Allow God’s wisdom to arbitrate – Ask God for wisdom to handle differences fairly and objectively (James 3:17-18). Yield personal rights for the greater good.
In summary, by pursuing holiness, walking in love, and humbly seeking unity, Christians can overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21) and replace strife with the peace of Christ (Colossians 3:15).
Examples of Strife in the Bible
The Bible contains many examples of strife, highlighting the causes, effects and remedies:
- Cain and Abel – Jealousy over God’s approval caused Cain to murder his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-8).
- Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen – Strife arose between the servants of Abraham and Lot because the land could not support all of their livestock. Abraham graciously proposed parting ways to preserve peace (Genesis 13:1-12).
- Joseph and his brothers – Joseph’s brothers hated and envied him to the point of selling him into slavery (Acts 7:9). But later they were reconciled (Genesis 50:15-21).
- Paul and Barnabas – A sharp dispute arose regarding whether to include John Mark on their missionary journey. They ended up parting ways, but their conflict was resolved later (Acts 15:36-41).
- Circumcision controversy – The early church had much strife over whether Gentile believers should be circumcised. The Jerusalem Council helped resolve this dispute (Acts 15).
- Jesus Christ – Though completely without sin, Jesus endured strife from sinners against Himself (Hebrews 12:3-4) and warned His followers to expect strife in this world (John 16:33).
These examples demonstrate how strife afflicts even believers. But scripture guides us to pursue solutions that glorify God, edify His church, and testify to the power of Christ.
Strife Between Believers
The New Testament contains instruction specifically addressing strife between believers in the church:
- Christians are called to live in harmony, avoiding strife and dissension over disputed matters of conscience (Romans 14:1-12).
- Leaders must gently correct those causing division, avoiding quarrels over words (2 Timothy 2:14, 23-26).
- When strife arises on a team, members should submit to one another and cultivate humility, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1-3).
- Believers should seek a peaceful settlement of grievances against each other, not lawsuits (1 Corinthians 6:1-8).
- Those who persist in promoting factions and quarrels risk corrective discipline by church leaders (Titus 3:9-11).
This reveals God’s heart – He greatly values unity and peace within His church. Believers must therefore make every effort to avoid strife and humbly seek reconciliation when it occurs.
Overcoming Strife Through Christ
Ultimately strife is overcome through the life-changing power of Jesus Christ at work in believers’ hearts. His saving work enables us to:
- Die to selfishness as we submit to Christ’s lordship (Luke 9:23).
- Receive new life in the Spirit, with His fruit of love, patience and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Dwell in Christ’s peace, which guards our hearts against strife (Philippians 4:6-7).
- Reflect Christ’s humility, considering others’ interests above our own (Philippians 2:1-4).
- Access the Father’s grace to extend forgiveness to others (Colossians 3:13).
- Hope in God’s justice and final victory over sin, which allows us to “overcome evil with good” now (Romans 12:19-21).
Though strife will afflict us in this fallen world, through Christ we can shine as lights of peace, patience and reconciliation (Philippians 2:14-16). This brings glory to God and testifies of His mighty power at work within His church.