Arguments, Dissension, and Strife

I’ve decided to write a little post on one of my pet peeves. This subject really tends to get on my nerves. Especially when it comes forth from a professing Christian, either tearing down those we are supposed to be reaching, or cutting to bits those we are supposed to be ministering with.

This pet peeve, if the title didn’t give it away, is an argumentative, critical spirit. I firmly believe that this is a major hindrance to unbelievers, who see how those very people teaching Love, Joy, and all the other Fruit of the Spirit, actually act.

First off, let us get a definition:
Dissension: disagreement; especially : partisan and contentious quarreling

I think this aptly sums up the terms.

Another thing I’d like to begin with: If this post starts any contention, it is not my intention, nor will I let it continue. Realize the truths found here, and spit out the errors if there are some.

I think any study, on any topic, can begin with a study on how Jesus reacted, and his thoughts on the matter. So let’s look at it. Imagine being on trial, with the penalty you are facing being death. This is the situation Jesus found Himself in, and he still held a temperate tongue. John 19:9 says “And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer.”
Jesus did not start strife, or even answer harshly while being totally falsely accused. He did not try to vehemently defend Himself against bogus words, but instead chose a path of no strife.

Proverbs also has a lot to say about this subject. In Proverbs 13:10, we read about the source of all of our petty arguments. “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised [is] wisdom.” The source of ALL contention and strife is our pride. It truly is the root cause of our problems. We argue when we think that we are right, and others are wrong. There is a major difference in arguing over an issue, and standing firm on a conviction you have from the Bible. My Pastor defines a conviction as “a belief you’d die for”. I think there are actually very few convictions I have that fall in line with this definition.

There are ways to point out flaws, to correct others, to get your point across, and to do any of the other reason people choose to argue, all without strife. Anything you say, can be said without causing strife. It takes two parties to argue. It takes two to cause contention. There is always a way to present truth with meekness, as Christ would have. Too many times have I seen people honestly seeking truth, only to be repelled by a harsh word from the person holding the very truth they seek. We can use our knowledge to kill those without it. Proverbs exhorts us that the wise man “useth knowledge aright:”. There is definitely a wrong way to use our knowledge to harm others.

Phillipians 1:15 “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:”

The main way I see this pet peeve in action is on the internet. This is my favorite and most used modus of mass communication to the rest of the world, via this blog, Facebook, and many other methods of reaching out to others. However, it irks me to no end to see people bickering mindlessly over the absolute stupidest things possible. It seems to be a favorite passion and hobby of so many to use the anonymity the internet provides as an outlet to spew forth abrasive words. They might actually be telling 100% truth, but it is uttered in such a way as to hurt the recipient of the words, rather than heal and help, like truth is intended to.

Let me end with a favorite quote of mine.

Phillipians 2:3 “[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Tagged as: argument, communicate, contention, dissension, Facebook, Jesus, proverbs, strife