Many churches are filled with strife. How strange a report about groups of people who claim to be saved as a result of the love of God. No wonder the world remains unreached and millions mock the church.

Strife is serious. See what the Bible has to say about it: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13): “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies” (Galatians 5:19-20): “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3); “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:14-16).

Strife keeps some bad company.

What is it doing in the fellowship of the saints?

Never mind. It is there. What can one do about it?

He can cease from strife. And in so doing, he does an honorable thing in the sight of God.

If you’re trying to separate the fools from the honorable men, you can tell them without a scorecard — just notice who refuses to take part in strife!