Define Contentious In The Bible

The concept of contentiousness in the Bible is multifaceted and can be understood through various passages and contexts. At its core, being contentious refers to a state of quarrelsome or disputatious behavior, where an individual tends to argue or disagree with others, often in a confrontational or unyielding manner. This behavior can manifest in personal relationships, community settings, or even in one’s relationship with God.

In the Bible, contentiousness is often depicted as a negative trait, associated with strife, arrogance, and a lack of humility. For instance, the book of Proverbs cautions against contentious individuals, stating, “It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman” (Proverbs 21:19). This verse highlights the unpleasantness and potential chaos that a contentious person can bring into a relationship or environment.

The prophet Isaiah also addresses the issue of contentiousness, particularly in the context of spiritual arrogance. He writes, “For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: ‘Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread’” (Isaiah 8:11-13). Here, Isaiah warns against engaging in contentious behaviors driven by fear, anxiety, or a desire to conform to worldly standards, instead encouraging trust and reverence for God.

Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and harmony within the Christian community. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to “pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” (Romans 14:19), and to “be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11). These passages underscore the need for Christians to cultivate a spirit of unity, humility, and cooperation, rather than engaging in contentious or divisive behavior.

To illustrate the concept of contentiousness in a biblical context, consider the story of the apostles Paul and Barnabas. In Acts 15:36-41, a disagreement arises between the two apostles regarding whether to take John Mark with them on their missionary journey. The dispute becomes so sharp that they decide to part ways, with Paul taking Silas and Barnabas taking John Mark. Although this incident might seem to exemplify contentious behavior, it is worth noting that both Paul and Barnabas continue to serve the Lord and advance the gospel, despite their disagreement. This episode demonstrates that even in the face of contention, believers can maintain their commitment to God’s work and seek to resolve conflicts in a manner that honors Him.

In conclusion, the Bible portrays contentiousness as a tendency to engage in quarrelsome or argumentative behavior, often driven by pride, fear, or a lack of trust in God. While the scriptures acknowledge that disagreements and conflicts can arise, they encourage believers to pursue peace, humility, and unity, and to seek resolution through prayer, forgiveness, and a willingness to listen to and understand one another’s perspectives.

In addition to the above discussion, it is essential to recognize that contentiousness can manifest in various forms, including verbal and non-verbal communication, tone, and attitude. Being aware of these aspects can help believers to identify and address contentious behavior in themselves and others, promoting a more peaceful and harmonious environment.

To further illustrate the concept of contentiousness, consider the following example: A church member, John, tends to dominate conversations during Bible study meetings, often interrupting others and dismissing their opinions. His behavior creates tension and discomfort among the group, making it challenging for others to participate and share their thoughts. In this scenario, John’s contentious behavior is driven by his need to be right and his lack of active listening skills. By recognizing and addressing this behavior, John can work to create a more inclusive and respectful environment, where everyone feels valued and heard.

In conclusion, contentiousness is a complex issue that can have significant consequences for individuals, relationships, and communities. By understanding the biblical perspective on contentiousness and cultivating a spirit of humility, trust, and reverence for God, believers can work to create a more peaceful and harmonious environment, where conflicts can be resolved in a manner that honors God.

Stepping Away from Contentious Behavior

1. Recognize the issue: Acknowledge the presence of contentious behavior in yourself or others, and understand its negative impact on relationships and communities.
2. Seek humility: Cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that no one has all the answers.
3. Practice active listening: Make a conscious effort to listen attentively to others, seeking to understand their perspectives and opinions, rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak.
4. Promote unity: Prioritize maintaining peace and harmony within the Christian community, pursuing the things that make for peace, and edifying one another.
5. Seek resolution: Address conflicts and disagreements in a manner that honors God, seeking to resolve issues through prayer, forgiveness, and a willingness to listen to and understand one another's perspectives.

Ultimately, believers must strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected. By doing so, they can build stronger, more meaningful relationships, and promote a sense of unity and cooperation within the Christian community.