What Does Strife Mean in the Bible: Causes, Effects, and Remedies

In the Bible, strife is a concept that is often associated with conflict, discord, and division. It is a state of opposition, contention, and rivalry that can arise between individuals, groups, or even within oneself.

The Bible teaches that strife is a destructive force that can lead to broken relationships, hurtful words, and even physical violence.

What Does Strife Mean in the Bible: A Quick Overview

• Contention and quarreling: Strife often involves heated arguments, disputes, and disagreements between individuals or groups (Proverbs 17:1, 26:21).
• Rivalry and competition: Strife can arise from a desire to outdo or surpass others, leading to jealousy, envy, and resentment (Galatians 5:26).
• Division and discord: Strife can cause divisions, factions, and splits within communities, churches, or families (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:3).
• Pride and arrogance: Strife is often fueled by pride, arrogance, and a refusal to listen to others (Proverbs 13:10, 28:25).
• Anger and wrath: Strife can lead to outbursts of anger, wrath, and even violence (Proverbs 29:22, James 1:19-20).
• Envy and jealousy: Strife can arise from feelings of envy, jealousy, and resentment towards others (Galatians 5:20, James 3:14-16).
• Selfish ambition: Strife can be driven by selfish ambition, a desire for power, or a need for recognition (Philippians 2:3-4, James 3:14-16).
• Lack of love and compassion: Strife can result from a lack of love, compassion, and empathy towards others (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Philippians 2:3-4).
• Worldly wisdom: Strife can be fueled by worldly wisdom, which prioritizes human reasoning over spiritual wisdom (James 3:13-18).
• Demonic influence: Strife can be inspired by demonic forces, which seek to divide and destroy (Ephesians 6:12, 1 Timothy 4:1).
• Fleshly desires: Strife can arise from fleshly desires, such as lust, greed, and selfishness (Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 2:11).
• Lack of forgiveness: Strife can persist when individuals refuse to forgive others or themselves (Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25).
• Disobedience to God: Strife can result from disobedience to God’s commands and principles (1 Samuel 15:23, Isaiah 1:2-4).
• Destruction and chaos: Strife can lead to destruction, chaos, and devastation in individuals, families, and communities (Proverbs 10:12, 16:28).

Contention and Quarreling

Contention and quarreling are two of the most common causes of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups have differing opinions, beliefs, or values, it can lead to heated debates, arguments, and even physical altercations.

The Bible warns against contention and quarreling, stating that they can lead to envy, strife, and every evil practice (James 3:14-16). In fact, the apostle Paul writes that those who engage in quarrels and disputes will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21).

The effects of contention and quarreling can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even physical harm. The Bible teaches that we should strive to live in harmony with one another, and that we should avoid quarrels and disputes (Romans 12:16-18).

Instead, we should seek to understand each other’s perspectives, and work towards finding common ground and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Rivalry and Competition

Rivalry and competition are other causes of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups feel the need to outdo or surpass others, it can lead to jealousy, envy, and resentment.

The Bible teaches that we should not compare ourselves with others, but rather focus on our own spiritual growth and development (2 Corinthians 10:12-18). We should strive to be content with what we have, and not covet what others have (Hebrews 13:5).

The effects of rivalry and competition can be damaging, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression. The Bible teaches that we should focus on our own spiritual journey, and not compare ourselves with others. Instead, we should strive to build each other up, and encourage one another to grow in faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Division and Discord

Division and discord are also causes of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups have differing opinions or beliefs, it can lead to division and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive for unity and harmony, and avoid divisions and factions (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). We should focus on our common faith and values, and work towards building each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

The effects of division and discord can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual decay. The Bible teaches that we should strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit, and avoid divisions and discord (Ephesians 4:3-6).

Pride and Arrogance

Pride and arrogance are also causes of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups feel superior to others, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord.

The Bible teaches that pride goes before a fall, and that humility is the key to spiritual growth and development (Proverbs 16:18). We should strive to be humble, gentle, and patient, and avoid pride and arrogance (Ephesians 4:2).

The effects of pride and arrogance can be damaging, leading to feelings of superiority, condescension, and even contempt for others. The Bible teaches that we should strive to be humble, and recognize our own limitations and weaknesses. Instead, we should focus on building each other up, and encouraging one another to grow in faith and love.

Anger and Wrath

Anger and wrath are also causes of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups feel angry or resentful, it can lead to conflict, violence, and even destruction. The Bible teaches that we should strive to control our anger, and avoid wrath and malice (Ephesians 4:26-27). We should focus on forgiveness, mercy, and compassion, and avoid anger and wrath.

The effects of anger and wrath can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even physical harm. The Bible teaches that we should strive to be slow to anger, and quick to forgive (James 1:19-20).

Envy and Jealousy

Envy and jealousy are also causes of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups feel envious or jealous of others, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive to be content with what we have, and not covet what others have (Hebrews 13:5). We should focus on our own spiritual growth and development, and avoid envy and jealousy.

The effects of envy and jealousy can be damaging, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression. The Bible teaches that we should strive to be grateful for what we have, and focus on building each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

Selfish Ambition

Selfish ambition is also a cause of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups prioritize their own interests and desires above others, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive to put others first, and prioritize their needs and interests above our own (Philippians 2:3-4). We should focus on building each other up, and avoid selfish ambition.

The effects of selfish ambition can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual decay. The Bible teaches that we should strive to be humble, gentle, and patient, and prioritize the needs of others above our own.

Lack of Love and Compassion

A lack of love and compassion is also a cause of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups fail to show love and compassion to others, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive to love our neighbors as ourselves, and show compassion to those in need (Mark 12:31). We should focus on building each other up, and avoiding conflict and strife.

The effects of a lack of love and compassion can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual decay. The Bible teaches that we should strive to be kind, gentle, and compassionate, and prioritize the needs of others above our own.

Worldly Wisdom vs. Spiritual Wisdom

Worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom are two different approaches to life. Worldly wisdom prioritizes human knowledge, power, and wealth, while spiritual wisdom prioritizes faith, hope, and love. The Bible teaches that we should strive to prioritize spiritual wisdom, and avoid worldly wisdom (James 3:13-18). We should focus on building each other up, and avoiding conflict and strife.

The effects of worldly wisdom can be damaging, leading to pride, arrogance, and selfish ambition. The Bible teaches that we should strive to prioritize spiritual wisdom, and focus on building each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

Demonic Influence

Demonic influence is also a cause of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups are influenced by demonic forces, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive to resist demonic influence, and prioritize the will of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). We should focus on building each other up, and avoiding conflict and strife.

The effects of demonic influence can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual decay. The Bible teaches that we should strive to prioritize the will of God, and resist demonic influence.

Fleshly Desires

Fleshly desires are also a cause of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups prioritize their own desires and interests above others, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive to prioritize the will of God, and avoid fleshly desires (Romans 8:5-8). We should focus on building each other up, and avoiding conflict and strife.

The effects of fleshly desires can be damaging, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual decay. The Bible teaches that we should strive to prioritize the will of God, and resist fleshly desires.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful tool in overcoming strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups forgive each other, it can lead to healing, restoration, and reconciliation. The Bible teaches that we should strive to forgive each other, just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). We should focus on building each other up, and avoiding conflict and strife.

The effects of forgiveness can be transformative, leading to healing, restoration, and reconciliation. The Bible teaches that we should strive to forgive each other, and prioritize love, mercy, and compassion.

Disobedience to God

Disobedience to God is also a cause of strife in the Bible. When individuals or groups disobey God’s will, it can lead to conflict, division, and discord. The Bible teaches that we should strive to obey God’s will, and prioritize His commands (John 14:15). We should focus on building each other up, and avoiding conflict and strife.

The effects of disobedience to God can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual decay. The Bible teaches that we should strive to obey God’s will, and prioritize His commands.

FAQs

Q: What is strife in the Bible?
A: Strife in the Bible refers to conflict, discord, or division among individuals or groups. It can manifest as quarrels, disputes, rivalries, or even violence.

Q: What are the causes of strife in the Bible?
A: The Bible identifies various causes of strife, including contention and quarreling, rivalry and competition, division and discord, pride and arrogance, anger and wrath, envy and jealousy, selfish ambition, lack of love and compassion, worldly wisdom, demonic influence, fleshly desires, and disobedience to God.

Q: What are the effects of strife in the Bible?
A: The effects of strife in the Bible can be devastating, leading to broken relationships, damaged reputations, physical harm, spiritual decay, and even eternal consequences.

Q: How can we overcome strife in the Bible?
A: The Bible teaches that we can overcome strife by prioritizing forgiveness, love, mercy, and compassion. We should strive to understand each other’s perspectives, focus on our own spiritual growth and development, and avoid comparing ourselves with others. We should also prioritize spiritual wisdom, resist demonic influence, and obey God’s will.

Q: What is the role of forgiveness in overcoming strife in the Bible?
A: Forgiveness plays a crucial role in overcoming strife in the Bible. When we forgive each other, it can lead to healing, restoration, and reconciliation. The Bible teaches that we should forgive each other, just as God has forgiven us.

Q: How can we maintain unity and harmony in the face of strife in the Bible?
A: The Bible teaches that we can maintain unity and harmony by prioritizing love, mercy, and compassion. We should strive to build each other up, rather than tearing each other down. We should focus on our common faith and values, and work towards finding common ground and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Q: What is the relationship between strife and spiritual growth in the Bible?
A: The Bible teaches that strife can hinder spiritual growth and development. When we engage in strife, it can lead to spiritual decay and even eternal consequences. On the other hand, when we prioritize forgiveness, love, and compassion, it can lead to spiritual growth and development.

Q: How can we avoid strife in our daily lives?
A: We can avoid strife in our daily lives by prioritizing forgiveness, love, and compassion. We should strive to understand each other’s perspectives, focus on our own spiritual growth and development, and avoid comparing ourselves with others. We should also prioritize spiritual wisdom, resist demonic influence, and obey God’s will.