The Bible speaks strongly against those who cause strife and division. Whether through gossip, anger, or jealousy, stirring up conflict goes against the teachings of Christ, who calls us to be peacemakers. Let’s explore what the Bible says about avoiding strife and promoting unity among believers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Causing Strife
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This verse highlights the abhorrence of the Lord towards those who stir up conflicts and strife within a community. It emphasizes the importance of fostering peace and unity among people, as God values harmony and righteousness.
Causing strife not only disrupts the tranquility of a community but also goes against God’s desire for love, reconciliation, and understanding among individuals. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers and strive to resolve conflicts in a manner that brings glory to God and promotes unity among His people.
James 4:1
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
This verse reminds us that the root of conflicts and strife lies within our own desires and selfishness. When we prioritize our own needs and wants above others, it can lead to discord and tension in our relationships.
To avoid causing strife, we must cultivate a spirit of humility and selflessness, seeking to understand and empathize with others rather than focusing solely on ourselves. By surrendering our desires to God and allowing His love to guide us, we can contribute to peaceful and harmonious relationships with others.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of a hot temper, which often fuels conflicts and strife in relationships. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating patience as a means to defuse tension and bring about resolution in disagreements.
Being patient allows us to approach conflicts with a level-headed mindset, seeking understanding rather than escalating the quarrel. By exercising patience, we can promote reconciliation and peace in our relationships, acting as instruments of God’s love and grace.
Proverbs 26:21
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.”
This verse makes a powerful comparison between a quarrelsome person and the fuel that ignites a fire. It serves as a warning about the consequences of engaging in arguments and disagreements that only serve to perpetuate strife.
Instead of allowing ourselves to be drawn into unnecessary conflicts, we should strive to be peacemakers and cultivate an attitude of gentleness, kindness, and understanding. By doing so, we can help prevent the escalation of strife and promote harmony in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
This verse reminds us of the harmful repercussions of anger and a hot temper. When we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, it can lead to a chain reaction of sins and contribute to ongoing conflicts.
As followers of Christ, we are called to exemplify His love, grace, and forgiveness. By managing our anger with self-control and seeking reconciliation rather than revenge, we can break the cycle of conflict and pursue godly relationships that bring about healing and restoration.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul encourages believers to prioritize peace and the building up of one another. Instead of engaging in actions or discussions that may cause strife, we are urged to pursue activities and conversations that promote harmony, understanding, and the growth of our fellow believers.
By striving for peace and seeking ways to uplift and encourage others, we can foster an environment of love and unity within the body of Christ. Ultimately, our actions should reflect the transformative power of God’s love, bringing glory to Him and drawing others closer to His truth.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse uses the analogy of a breached dam to illustrate the destructive nature of starting a quarrel. Just as a breach in a dam can lead to widespread damage, initiating a dispute can unleash a wave of negative consequences and lasting harm.
It reminds us of the importance of letting go of minor grievances before they escalate into full-blown conflicts. By choosing to drop matters and extend forgiveness, we can prevent unnecessary strife and maintain peaceful relationships with our neighbors.
2 Timothy 2:23
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”
This verse serves as a caution against engaging in futile and senseless arguments that only breed quarrels. As believers, we are called to pursue wisdom and discernment, avoiding debates that serve no purpose other than to generate strife.
By investing our energy in edifying conversations and focusing on what truly matters, we can cultivate a peaceful and loving environment. Let us strive to promote unity and understanding among believers, leaving behind trivial disputes that hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse implores us to reject destructive attitudes and behaviors that lead to strife, such as bitterness, anger, and slander. Instead, we are called to embody kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards one another, mirroring the way God forgave us through Christ.
By letting go of grudges, extending forgiveness, and treating others with genuine love and mercy, we can break the cycle of strife and build bridges of reconciliation. Our actions should reflect the transformative power of God’s grace, fostering unity and harmony within the body of Christ
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
In this verse, believers are exhorted to bear with one another and extend forgiveness, following the example of how the Lord graciously forgave us. By choosing to release others from their offenses and embracing a spirit of reconciliation, we can prevent conflicts and promote healing within our relationships.
Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a powerful act of obedience to God’s commandments. As we imitate Christ’s forgiveness, we model His love to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of His grace in our lives.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse affirms the blessedness of those who actively seek to make peace. Peacemaking involves not only resolving existing conflicts but also promoting an atmosphere of harmony and reconciliation.
As children of God, we are called to be agents of peace in a world characterized by strife. By embodying the principles of love, humility, and forgiveness, we can contribute to the transformation of our communities and reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in dealing with conflict. It emphasizes that it is a mark of honor to seek peace and avoid strife, whereas foolish individuals are inclined to engage in quarrels.
As believers, we should prioritize the pursuit of peace and endeavor to resolve conflicts through respectful communication, understanding, and humility. By doing so, we can bring glory to God and foster an environment of love, unity, and honor.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul’s exhortation in this verse emphasizes our responsibility to strive for peaceful relationships with everyone to the best of our ability. While we cannot control the actions of others, we can be intentional in pursuing reconciliation and maintaining harmony wherever possible.
This verse challenges us to examine our hearts, motives, and actions, seeking to live in harmony with others even when it requires humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice. By embracing a posture of peace, we reflect the transformative power of God’s love and foster an atmosphere of unity within the body of Christ.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
This verse provides practical wisdom for avoiding strife by emphasizing the importance of active listening, measured speech, and self-control. By exercising these principles in our interactions, we can prevent misunderstandings, de-escalate conflicts, and build bridges of understanding.
When we approach conversations with humility and a genuine desire to hear and understand others, we create space for empathy, collaboration, and reconciliation. Let us embrace these qualities as we seek to be peacemakers and ambassadors of God’s love in a divided world.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
In this verse, believers are called to respond to evil and insults with blessing, rather than retaliating in kind. By choosing forgiveness, grace, and kindness in the face of hostility or provocation, we demonstrate Christ-like character and open the door to healing and reconciliation.
As recipients of God’s abundant blessings, we are called to extend those blessings to others, even those who may cause us strife. Through our actions, we show the transforming power of God’s love and invite others to experience the blessings that come from being reconciled to Him.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Jesus’ instructions in this verse provide a framework for resolving conflicts and maintaining relationships in a way that promotes unity and reconciliation. Instead of spreading strife or gossip, we are urged to address wrongdoing privately and directly with the person involved.
By approaching conflicts in a spirit of love, humility, and gentleness, we create an environment conducive to reconciliation and restoration. This approach not only fosters healing but also exemplifies Christ’s teachings on forgiveness and demonstrates His redemptive power to a watching world.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse highlights the contrasting effects of hatred and love in relationships. Hatred breeds conflict and strife, while love covers over and forgives wrongdoings, leading to relational healing and unity.
As Christians, we are called to love one another fervently, seeking to resolve conflicts and extend grace even when it is difficult. When we choose love, we reflect the character of Christ, who demonstrated the ultimate act of love by sacrificing Himself for our redemption.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
In this verse, Paul urges believers to prioritize actions that promote peace and mutual edification. As followers of Christ, we should strive to build one another up, rather than tearing each other down through conflicts and strife.
By actively seeking to foster peace and harmony in our relationships, we create an environment that allows individuals to grow, flourish, and experience the transformative power of God’s love. Let us be motivated by love and unity as we navigate our interactions with others.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
Paul’s appeal in this verse underscores the importance of unity and agreement among believers. Rather than causing divisions or engaging in strife, Christians are called to be perfectly united in mind and thought, striving for oneness in Christ.
By valuing the common goals we share as followers of Jesus and focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can contribute to a harmonious and loving community. This unity is a powerful testimony to the transformative and unifying work of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of our words on conflicts and strife. By responding to others with gentleness and humility, we can diffuse tension and deescalate potential conflicts.
Choosing to speak with a gentle tone and a heart of understanding promotes dialogue, empathy, and reconciliation. Let us seek to control our tongues, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and using them as instruments of peace and healing in our relationships.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse highlights the fruits that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a believer. Among these fruits are peace, gentleness, and self-control, which are essential in avoiding conflicts and strife.
By allowing the Spirit to work within us, transforming our hearts and minds, we can manifest these qualities in our interactions with others. As we embody the character of Christ, we bring peace, healing, and a testimony of God’s redeeming love to a world in desperate need of reconciliation.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse reminds us that when we walk in accordance with God’s ways and seek to live in peace, He can intervene and bring about reconciliation, even with our enemies.
By entrusting our conflicts and relationships to God, we can rely on His wisdom, guidance, and supernatural intervention to overcome strife. As we remain faithful and obedient to His teachings, He can transform hearts, repair broken bonds, and bring about restoration, demonstrating His power and love in the midst of conflict.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse encapsulates the principle of treating others with love, respect, and consideration, ultimately minimizing conflicts and strife. By applying the Golden Rule to our lives, we can contribute to healthy and harmonious relationships.
When we prioritize empathy and seek to understand the perspectives and needs of others, we foster an environment of mutual respect and love. By treating others as we would like to be treated, we honor God’s commandments and reflect His heart of compassion and reconciliation.