Strife and conflict are addressed throughout the Bible, from Old Testament family disputes to New Testament calls for unity. The Bible encourages believers to seek peace, avoid quarrels, and pursue reconciliation. In times of strife, Scripture offers guidance on how to handle disagreements with love and patience.
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What Does The Bible Say About strife
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 strife that arises from a hot-tempered attitude. It emphasizes the importance of patience in calming conflicts, reminding us to respond to situations with a level-headed approach.
James 4:1-2
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.”
This passage sheds light on the root cause of strife, which is often rooted in selfish desires. It urges us to examine our own hearts and motives, seeking God’s guidance instead of allowing our cravings to lead to conflicts. Asking God for what we need instead of resenting others can bring about peace.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This verse draws a connection between envy, selfish ambition, and strife. It warns that when such negative traits dominate our hearts, disorder and evil actions follow. It reminds us to embrace humility, contentment, and selflessness to foster harmony instead.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse employs a vivid metaphor to illustrate the escalating nature of quarrels. Just as breaching a dam leads to an uncontrollable flood, initiating quarrels can lead to massive disputes. It encourages us to let go of issues before they spin out of control, promoting peace instead of strife.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse emphasizes the wisdom in avoiding strife. Rather than engaging in pointless quarrels, it’s honorable to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions. Fools, on the other hand, impulsively jump into conflicts without considering the consequences.
Philippians 2:2-3
“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This passage encourages unity and humility among believers, as they are urged to have the same love and put others’ interests above their own. By avoiding selfish ambitions and embracing humility, we can build bridges and prevent strife from taking root within the Christian community.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
This verse warns against the destructive influence of anger, which not only leads to conflict but also opens the door to numerous sinful actions. It reminds us to control our temper and seek peace instead, understanding that anger only fuels the flames of strife.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages believers to strive for peace and be peacemakers in their relationships with everyone. While it acknowledges that living at peace may not always be in our control, it urges us to do our part and pursue harmonious relationships, even amidst potential strife.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This famous passage from Corinthians describes the characteristics of agape love. By embodying these qualities, such as patience, kindness, and forgiveness, we can prevent strife from arising in our relationships. Love serves as a powerful antidote to the conflicts that often brew among people.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
This verse advises against getting entangled in pointless debates or arguments that only lead to quarrels. Instead, it calls believers to be kind, patient, and able to teach others in a spirit of humility. By focusing on edifying discussions rather than fueling conflict, we can help alleviate strife.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse underscores the importance of being peacemakers and heralds the blessings bestowed upon those who actively seek peace. As children of God, we are encouraged to promote unity and reconciliation, acting as agents of peace in a world often plagued by strife.
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 passage urges believers to let go of destructive emotions and actions that fuel strife. It calls for kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our interactions with others, mirroring the forgiveness and grace we have received through Christ. By embodying these qualities, we can prevent strife from seeping into our relationships.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse highlights the power of love in bringing healing and resolution. While hatred fosters conflict, love has the ability to cover and overcome wrongs. It reminds us to choose love over hate to prevent strife from taking hold in our lives.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. It recognizes the blessings that come with harmonious relationships and emphasizes the importance of striving for unity rather than allowing strife to divide the community of believers.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse encourages believers to actively pursue actions that promote peace and mutual edification. It reminds us that building one another up and seeking peace should be intentional choices we make, safeguarding our relationships from the damaging effects of strife.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in avoiding strife. It calls for patience, understanding, and willingness to forgive others, following the example of the forgiveness we have received from the Lord. By extending grace and forgiveness, we can prevent strife from poisoning 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 passage highlights the characteristics that should be evident in the lives of believers, courtesy of the Holy Spirit. It points out that the fruit of the Spirit includes peace and self-control, both of which are vital in avoiding strife. By allowing the Spirit to work in us, we can cultivate the qualities that oppose and prevent strife.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse admonishes believers to actively turn away from evil and instead do good. It encourages us to seek after peace and pursue it earnestly. By cultivating righteousness and actively seeking peace in our relationships, we can counter the presence of strife in our lives.
Romans 16:17
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.”
This verse advises believers to be discerning and cautious of those who introduce divisions and obstacles that contradict biblical teachings. It reminds us to distance ourselves from individuals who perpetuate strife, safeguarding our faith and preserving unity within the body of Christ.