Conflict is an unfortunate but common part of human relationships. However, there are individuals who intentionally create division among others, turning peaceful relationships into battlegrounds. One of the most harmful actions a person can take is spreading strife among brothers, whether in a family, a community, or a larger society.
This type of behavior is often driven by jealousy, pride, or the desire for control. Throughout history, religious and moral teachings have warned against those who sow discord, recognizing the destructive power of division. In this topic, we will explore the motives behind spreading strife, its consequences, and ways to promote unity instead of division.
1. What Does It Mean to Spread Strife?
Definition of Spreading Strife
Spreading strife refers to the deliberate act of causing conflict, tension, or hostility among people who should be united. This can happen in families, workplaces, religious groups, and even nations. Those who engage in such behavior often manipulate others through gossip, lies, and deception.
The Bible strongly condemns this behavior. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that are detestable to God, one of which is ‘one who sows discord among brothers.’ This highlights the severity of stirring up division.
Forms of Spreading Strife
There are many ways a person can cause division, including:
- Gossip and rumors – Sharing false or exaggerated information to turn people against each other.
- Lies and manipulation – Twisting the truth to cause misunderstandings.
- Encouraging rivalry – Playing one person against another for personal gain.
- Instigating fights – Creating unnecessary arguments by stirring up anger.
- Undermining trust – Making others doubt each other’s honesty and intentions.
2. Why Do People Spread Strife?
Jealousy and Insecurity
Some individuals spread strife because they feel threatened by others’ success or relationships. They believe that by causing conflict, they can weaken others and make themselves look better.
Desire for Control and Power
Creating division often allows someone to gain power. By turning people against each other, they can manipulate the situation to their advantage, ensuring that they remain in control.
Personal Bitterness and Resentment
People who have experienced hurt or rejection sometimes project their pain onto others, causing division as a way of dealing with their emotions. Instead of healing, they create new conflicts.
Influence of External Forces
In some cases, people are influenced by toxic environments, peer pressure, or cultural norms that encourage competition and division rather than unity.
3. The Consequences of Spreading Strife
Destroyed Relationships
One of the most obvious effects of spreading strife is the breakdown of relationships. Families, friendships, and communities can be torn apart, often beyond repair.
Loss of Trust and Unity
When someone repeatedly causes division, others become wary. Trust is fragile, and once broken, it is difficult to rebuild. Without trust, unity crumbles.
Emotional and Spiritual Damage
Those who engage in spreading strife not only hurt others but also themselves. Their hearts become hardened, and they may struggle with guilt, paranoia, or loneliness. Spiritually, they separate themselves from God’s desire for peace and reconciliation.
Social and Community Instability
When division spreads beyond personal relationships into workplaces, churches, or nations, it leads to chaos, violence, and a breakdown of order. History is full of examples where rumors and deceit led to wars, betrayals, and great suffering.
4. How to Recognize and Respond to Those Who Spread Strife
Identifying a Troublemaker
A person who spreads strife often exhibits the following behaviors:
- Regularly gossips and spreads rumors.
- Encourages conflict rather than resolution.
- Plays people against each other.
- Acts friendly but stirs up trouble behind the scenes.
- Always seems to be at the center of drama.
How to Deal with a Strife-Maker
- Do not engage in gossip – Avoid participating in harmful conversations.
- Seek the truth before reacting – Verify information before believing or acting on it.
- Promote unity and peace – Encourage communication and reconciliation.
- Confront the person if necessary – Lovingly but firmly call out divisive behavior.
- Pray for wisdom and guidance – Seek divine help in handling difficult situations.
5. Promoting Unity Instead of Division
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the most effective ways to combat strife. By choosing to forgive rather than retaliate, we break the cycle of division and open the door to healing.
Encouraging Open Communication
Misunderstandings are a major cause of strife. Encouraging honest and open conversations helps prevent conflicts from escalating.
Fostering a Culture of Kindness and Respect
When people feel valued and respected, they are less likely to be influenced by those who seek to divide. Creating an environment where love and compassion thrive weakens the power of strife-makers.
Seeking Divine Guidance for Peace
Many religious teachings emphasize the importance of peace. Praying for wisdom, patience, and understanding can help individuals and communities overcome conflict.
6. Biblical Warnings and Lessons on Spreading Strife
The Bible contains many warnings against those who cause division. Some key verses include:
- Proverbs 16:28 – ‘A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.’
- James 3:16 – ‘For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.’
- Romans 16:17 – ‘I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.’
These verses emphasize that God values unity, peace, and love. Those who seek to destroy relationships and spread hatred go against His will.
Choosing Peace Over Strife
Spreading strife among brothers is a destructive and dangerous act that harms relationships, communities, and even entire societies. Whether through gossip, lies, or manipulation, those who cause division bring pain and suffering to others and themselves.
However, there is always a path toward healing and reconciliation. By choosing forgiveness, promoting understanding, and seeking wisdom, we can counteract division and build a foundation of trust and unity.
As individuals, we must ask ourselves: Are we sowing peace or discord? Are we uniting or dividing? The choice is ours, and the impact of that choice will be felt by those around us.
