STRIFE

It is considered a restless state of contention and discord ... unrelenting antagonism that fights to have its own way. 'Strife' is the opposite of tolerance, humility, and love. 

The Word of God warns against it ... Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)

If not crucified, a believer's latent sin-nature demands autonomy ... What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? (James 4:1)

Jesus set the standard ... When He was maligned, He did not answer back; when He suffered, He threatened no retaliation but committed Himself to God who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

We are being transformed into His likeness through the Holy Spirit's ongoing work of sanctification. The 'strife' that we once believed was a natural part of contending for the faith, is now seen as an affront to the cause of Christ. 

Being 'right' is not enough. 

We are not to usurp the Spirit's role of convicting a lost soul of his sinfulness by coming across as 'holier than thou' representatives of God. People respond to the Gospel message when unconditional 'love' is present ... By this, all will know that you are My disciples. (John 13:35)

We live in a day and age when being indignant at the slightest misstep in someone else's conduct is considered righteousness. Christians are to fight against that condescending arrogant attitude. We're not given a license to treat those outside the faith as inferior human beings. It only causes 'strife' that misrepresents the true character of God.