For many Christians, and even non-believers, the Bible serves as a guide on the road of life. For a religious individual, it provides insight on how to achieve true success (Joshua 1:8) and how to help one's families.
The Bible even helps to clear up struggles between two disagreeing parties. In the Bible, this concept is referred to as contention. What is contention and what is the Bible solution to prevent contention?
What is Contention?
Webster’s Dictionary defines contention as “a verbal argument, strife, argument, controversy, dispute, or quarrel.” Simply put, contention involves an argument or fight between two or more people.
What does the Bible say about contention? Contention and strife usually go hand-in-hand in the Bible. Jeremiah 15:10 and Habakkuk 1:3 use both strife and contention in the same sentence. These two words are also brought together in Proverbs 17:14, 18:6, and 22:10.
Strife, according to Webster's Dictionary, is “the exertion of contention.” So where does strife and contention come from?
Where Does Contention Come From?
The Bible is very clear about the origin of contention. “Only with pride comes contention,” according to Proverbs 13:10. A person who thinks only of himself may be viewed as proud. When a man thinks, “It's my way or the highway,” this is pride.
This pride causes contention, which erects a barrier between the two parties. Proverbs 18:17 says, “contentions are like bars of a castle.” So when one person does not let any other idea but their own, they place the situation “behind bars” and nothing can be resolved.
Contentions between Barnabas and Paul became so sharp that they separated and parted ways (Acts 15:39). Paul and Barnabas could not agree on whether John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin should go with them. Paul saw him as a coward and hindrance, where Barnabas wanted to give him another chance. This great missionary team split as a result of contention.
Contentions arose between people of different Christian churches according to 1 Corinthians 1:11. Paul tells this church at Corinth to avoid creating a schism based upon who brought them the Gospel. He asks simply, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor. 1:13) He showed them that God will use many people to bring about God’s work, but that it is all one work (1 Cor. 3). There is no room for contention in Christianity.
How Can Contention Be Prevented?
According to the Bible, contention can be prevented if one's pride is surrendered to God. The sin of pride can be a “pet sin” that weighs a person down (Hebrew 12:1). The race that is before a Christian will be run freely if there is no weight to hold him back.
Another way to prevent contention is avoid the other person who is involved in the conflict. Proverbs 21:19 says, “it is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman.” When a Christian notices that his counterpart only wants things his way, it may help to avoid that person until he calms. Once God has convicted him of his pride, discussion can begin according to Titus 3:9.
According to the Bible, the key to preventing contention involves dedication to God. Contention is considered disobedience to God according to Romans 2:8-9. When a person lives for God, he will live as the new creature (2 Cor. 5:17). When a Christian sins, he lives as the “old man” and that nature must be “crucified,” or put to death so one can live peacefully (Romans 6:6).
The Bible suggests that Christians should put their pride aside and avoid contentious arguments. The Bible suggests it's better to be humble and to maintain an open ear. Contention and strife can only complicate life and hinder a Christian believer.
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