TCR Number: Strife 3734 Strife Forbidden 3732
An angry man stirs up strife, And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
Proverbs 29:22
In this short study, we are going to look at the topic of arguing and strife among Christians. In Genesis 13:7-8 the Bible says, “And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.” Here we read about a strife that arose between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. Abram promoted peace and reconciliation between the two as they were brothers. There ought not to be strife among brothers. This also applies to Christian brothers and sisters. There ought to be a common respect and peace among the people of God.
Writing to Christians the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Phil. 2:14). Paul goes on to say why this is important. He writes in verse 15, “so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” Arguments and strife among God’s people are harmful to the witness of the Gospel. We are encouraged to have a peaceable spirit and to get along with fellow believers in Christ. An argumentative and quarrelsome spirit does not glorify God. There is nothing wrong with having differences of opinion and theological understandings and to express them. However, if we are always fighting and arguing about points of doctrine then it gives a negative image to those around us.
Christians have debated several topics and doctrines over the years. For example, whether to have women pastors and leaders in the Church. The matter of spiritual gifts such as prophecy and speaking in tongues, modern Christian music, which English translation of the Bible to use and end-times prophecy are all hotly debated issues among Christians. However, we ought to have discernment regarding the differences between heresy, error, and disagreement.
Heresy is when a core truth of the faith is taught falsely. An example of heresy would be to teach that Christ is not divine in nature. An error would be a wrong understanding of a text. For example, an error would be to teach something like Jesus rose from the grave on the fourth day after his resurrection, rather than the third day. Finally, an example of disagreement would be regarding the use of musical instruments in the meeting.
There is also nothing wrong with making your point and expressing your view on doctrine and topics that are important to your faith. However, we should never break fellowship with another believer on topics that we disagree on. There are biblical grounds to disassociate with others who teach heresy and error, but there are no grounds to separate on matters we disagree on. Our conduct should also be peaceable, respectful, and with brotherly love. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” We should also bear in mind the great words of wisdom in Proverbs 26:17, “Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.”
Rather than arguing Christians are to be peaceful, kind, and caring (Gal. 5:22-23). 2 Timothy 2:23-24 says, “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged.” We ought to always be ready to give an answer to questions that are asked about doctrine, Scripture, and the Christian faith in general (1 Pet. 3:15). We should always defend the truth of Scripture and be steadfast in our faith, but we should never get into pointless debates and arguments on matters that we should just agree to disagree on.
Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,
Titus 3:10
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