strife in the church
What does the Bible say about strife in the church? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
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20Yet I fear, lest perhaps, when I have arrived, I might not find you such as I would want, and I might be found by you, such as you would not want. For perhaps there may be among you: contention, envy, animosity, dissension, detraction, whispering, self-exaltation, and rebellion.
22A short-tempered man provokes quarrels. And whoever is easily angered is more likely to sin.
3If anyone teaches otherwise, and does not consent to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to that doctrine which is in accord with piety, 4then he is arrogant, knowing nothing, yet languishing amid the questions and quarrels of words. From these arise envy, contention, blasphemy, evil suspicions: 5the conflicts of men who have been corrupted in mind and deprived of truth, who consider profit to be piety.
14Whoever releases the water is the head of the conflict. And just before he suffers contempt, he abandons judgment.
17But I beg you, brothers, to take note of those who cause dissensions and offenses contrary to the doctrine that you have learned, and to turn away from them.
15But if your brother has sinned against you, go and correct him, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you will have regained your brother. 16But if he will not listen you, invite with you one or two more, so that every word may stand by the mouth of two or three witnesses. 17And if he will not listen to them, tell the Church. But if he will not listen to the Church, let him be to you like the pagan and the tax collector.
16But if anyone has a mind to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor does the Church of God. 17Now I caution you, without praising, about this: that you assemble together, and not for better, but for worse. 18First of all, indeed, I hear that when you assemble together in the church, there are schisms among you. And I believe this, in part. 19For there must also be heresies, so that those who have been tested may be made manifest among you.
3Honor is for the man who separates himself from contentions. But all the foolish meddle in altercations.
16But if he will not listen you, invite with you one or two more, so that every word may stand by the mouth of two or three witnesses.
15But if your brother has sinned against you, go and correct him, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you will have regained your brother.