Strife, whether in relationships, communities, or within oneself, is something that God encourages believers to avoid. It stems from pride, anger, and selfishness, leading to division and conflict. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance for how we can overcome strife and pursue peace through love, humility, and forgiveness. Here are key Bible verses addressing the issue of strife and how believers can navigate it with God’s help.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Fighting Back
Avoiding Strife by Practicing Humility
Humility is a powerful antidote to strife. When we put others before ourselves and choose gentleness over harshness, we allow peace to flourish. The Bible calls believers to live humbly, making every effort to maintain unity and harmony within the body of Christ.
Philippians 2:3
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
Proverbs 13:10
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
James 3:16
“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
1 Peter 5:5
“In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
Colossians 3:12
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Strife in Relationships
Conflicts often arise in relationships due to misunderstandings, pride, or hurt feelings. However, God’s Word teaches us to forgive quickly, love deeply, and pursue peace actively, even when it’s challenging. These scriptures remind us how to handle interpersonal tensions with grace.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”
Matthew 5:9
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Guarding Against Strife in the Church
The church, as a community of believers, is called to unity. Strife can cause divisions that hinder spiritual growth and the mission of the gospel. These verses encourage believers to strive for unity in the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
Romans 16:17
“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters: Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.”
Titus 3:10
“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.”
Galatians 5:15
“But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Overcoming Strife with Love
Love is the greatest commandment, and it is also the greatest remedy for strife. When we allow God’s love to guide our actions, strife loses its grip on us, and peace reigns in its place. Here are some scriptures highlighting love’s power over conflict.
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
John 13:34
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
Rejecting Strife through Patience
Patience helps us endure frustrating situations without giving in to anger or conflict. It is a fruit of the Spirit that can defuse strife before it begins. These verses highlight the importance of patience in our daily lives.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Proverbs 16:32
“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
Colossians 1:11
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.”
Strife as a Result of Envy
Envy breeds comparison and resentment, leading to strife. The Bible warns believers to avoid envy and focus on being content with what God has given. These scriptures call us to guard our hearts against envy and strife.
James 4:2
“You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.”
Proverbs 14:30
“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”
1 Corinthians 3:3
“For you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?”
James 3:14
“But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.”
Pursuing Peace to End Strife
The Bible urges believers to be peacemakers, actively pursuing peace wherever possible. Strife cannot thrive in the presence of God’s peace. These verses inspire us to be instruments of peace in a world often divided by conflict.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Proverbs 12:20
“Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Haters
What Does the Bible Say About Strife
The Bible teaches us that strife; fighting, arguing, or constant disagreement, is not good for us or pleasing to God. Strife comes from a heart filled with anger, jealousy, or pride. When people are always looking to prove they are right, wanting more than others, or holding on to hurt, it leads to arguments and trouble. This kind of behavior brings division among friends, family, and even in churches. God wants His people to live in peace, love, and unity instead.
Strife starts small, like a spark. It can begin with a misunderstanding, a harsh word, or someone feeling left out. When we do not forgive quickly or talk things through with kindness, these small things can grow into big problems. If left unchecked, strife can make people bitter and harden their hearts. It makes relationships suffer and breaks the trust people have with one another. Strife can make us forget that we are supposed to care for each other and think of others before ourselves.
The Bible shows us that strife is linked to selfishness. When people put themselves first—wanting their way all the time or feeling jealous when others succeed—it leads to arguments and quarrels. God asks us to be humble, to treat others with kindness, and to put their needs above our own. Instead of causing fights, He calls us to be peacemakers. A peaceful heart draws people closer, while a heart full of strife pushes people away.
God also warns us about how harmful strife can be. It steals our joy and wastes our energy. When people are caught up in arguments, they lose their focus on what really matters—loving God and loving others. Strife distracts us from doing good and living the way God wants us to live. It can also hurt our witness as Christians. If others see believers fighting and being unkind, they may question the message of love and peace that we are supposed to share.
So, how do we avoid strife? The Bible encourages us to be patient, forgive others, and stay calm even when things don’t go our way. It reminds us to use kind words and listen carefully to others. When we feel upset, we should pray and ask God to help us stay peaceful. Sometimes, walking away from a heated argument is the best way to keep the peace. God’s wisdom teaches us that it’s better to be known for kindness and love than to win every argument.
In the end, God wants us to live in harmony with others. Strife only brings pain, but peace brings joy and blessings. When we choose peace over strife, we show God’s love to the world. Let us do our best to live at peace with everyone, building bridges of love instead of walls of anger. This way, we reflect God’s heart and make the world a better place.