Why Do Christians Argue and Fight With Other Christians?

It's all fear in one shape or form.

Fear of not being part of the crowd,
fear of being labelled
fear of being called into disrepute
fear that what you have always believed might be wrong
fear that it is our attitude that is wrong, fear of being proven wrong
fear God is trying to tell your something and you don't want to listen.

This all goes both ways but the way.


There is a right kind of fear but I'm not sure if fear is the right word. Fear that others will
lose an opportunity to be saved as someone's post twists the truth. Maybe if it is said
with the correct motives (and let's face it 99% isn't) then maybe it could be described
as rightous anger rather than fear.

Perfect love casts out fear - to be honest most of us dont fully understand what perfect
love is. We may get a glimpse of it from time to time, but then worldly fear takes over and
so it's back to fearing and arguing. I wonder how perfect love would change us if we
could hang onto it.



1 John 4:12-19 NKJV
[12] No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us,
and His love has been perfected in us. [13] By this we know that we abide in Him,
and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. [14] And we have seen and testify
that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.

[15] Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in
God. [16] And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love,
and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. [17] Love has been perfected
among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as
He is, so are we in this world. [18] There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out
fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in
love. [19] We love Him because He first loved us.

I often post things that upset others....... but, I seldom bother to argue with them.

Well said. 2 hrs ago I had just looked up 2Tim 2:23-24 along with a couple verses in Proverbs. I'm new and joined in hopes of finding bile discussions. I knew I would find some that had differing interpretations of scriptures. I was hoping to sharpen my sword but all I can find on the threads are those who want to break my sword in half. I was hoping to use 2Tim 2:23-24 to calm them down so we converse about the Word of God. I have a strong feeling that's not going to happen.

Paul warned Timothy about such things in the church by writing “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels” (2nd Tim 2:23) because “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2nd Tim 2:24). If someone else may have differences of belief on Scriptures and they are not the main, essential beliefs, its best to leave it alone. We are to “Do everything in love” (1st Cor 16:14).
Wrong use of words
Paul in warning the church about Spiritual attacks from the enemy says we are to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph 6:17b)
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is intended for our own good and is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) but nowhere in Scripture is the Word of God to be used as an offensive weapon against other Christians but all too often, Christians use the sword of the Word against each other.
2 Timothy 2:14-19 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Paul warned Timothy about such things in the church by writing “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels” (2nd Tim 2:23) because “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2nd Tim 2:24). If someone else may have differences of belief on Scriptures and they are not the main, essential beliefs, its best to leave it alone. We are to “Do everything in love” (1st Cor 16:14).
Wrong use of words
Paul in warning the church about Spiritual attacks from the enemy says we are to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph 6:17b)
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is intended for our own good and is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) but nowhere in Scripture is the Word of God to be used as an offensive weapon against other Christians but all too often, Christians use the sword of the Word against each other.
2 Timothy 2:14-19 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

I often post things that upset others....... but, I seldom bother to argue with them.

I often post things that upset others....... but, I seldom bother to argue with them.

Thats the finished sentence. You mean, what do I mean by that? Well, that is part of the problem then. But actually, some know this song. I'd post it here for You to hear but I don't know how to share music in this platform yet.

Let's take a moment to look at your verse in 2 Timothy.


The verse in 2Timothy2:23 PRESUPPOSES several things when it tells Timothy to avoid "foolish controversies."

A. It presupposes there is a distinction between "foolish controversies" and "not foolish controversies".

B. It presupposes Timothy is able to make this distinction.

C. It presupposes, by ONLY prohibiting "foolish controversies", that any controversy which is "important" or "not foolish" would be fine to discuss.





Christians certainly need to discuss controversies more politely.

But the bible doesn't really tell us to avoid doctrinal discussion or even doctrinal debate.

Once our concentration is on God, all the limits of our life are free and under the control and mastery of God alone. There is no longer any responsibility on you for the work. The only responsibility you have is to stay in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your cooperation with Him. The freedom that comes after sanctification is the freedom of a child, and the things that used to hold your life down are gone. But be careful to remember that you have been freed for only one thing– to be absolutely devoted to your co-Worker.

We have no right to decide where we should be placed, or to have preconceived ideas as to what God is preparing us to do. God engineers everything; and wherever He places us, our one supreme goal should be to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him in that particular work. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” It's therefore not an issue of whether people miss understood you, but rather, whether they misunderstood Christ in you. And if they are not clear on His message, then it's not an issue of arguing, it's an issue of undying love to be gentle and clear and respectful.

Thats the finished sentence. You mean, what do I mean by that? Well, that is part of the problem then. But actually, some know this song. I'd post it here for You to hear but I don't know how to share music in this platform yet.

You're not a bad guy Willie. You are just misunderstood.

True, but I don't boast about it when I get arrogant.

I bolded what you said that I found amusing. And, yes, I know it was a typo, but someone has to say it, so I volunteer.

You were hoping for bile discussions, but were disappointed? That one rarely happens on CC. (Hoping for bile, but not getting it. lol)

Serious now: There really are godly people on here, but truth be known, if you're out to sharpen your sword, chances are good you're really not looking for the godly people to begin with, right? You're out to argue... and WIN! Yup, that pretty much explains why most of the ones left in the Bible Discussion Forum (BDF) are still sharpening stumps. Some of us still hold out hope, but it is very much like the gladiators of old -- if you're not killed off quickly by the veterans, you become a veteran and forget what the fight was about to begin with. The only thing left becomes "win at any cost."

I'm not saying everyone is like that. I'm saying the ones, who don't go in to fight, end up leaving the field because all it is is one big battle of the Coliseum Age -- unending, unrelenting, and no purpose other than to live to see another day. And the ones left standing? The ones that throw a barb here and there and then run (and then proudly say they don't argue.)

Bile discussions? Then you will do well in the BDF. Bible discussions? Rarely.

Now, if you're after truly talking about God along with other believers, 50/50 but sometimes that happens on this forum. Often it happens where gladiators don't show up.

And then there is this everlasting topic of "Why do Christians argue and fight with other Christians?" Always a sure sign the asker wants to start another argument. After all, can anyone reach the age of 13 without knowing how to start an argument or why they argue? Can it possibly be that's a genuine question of not understanding when we can look within ourselves for that answer?

Of course, those questions can be argued too.

Titus 2. We are all placed in the body at redemption and we all have duties to perform. And, I think we're saying the same thing, except it sounds like you think we're waiting around to be placed by God. I think we were immediately placed. In time, if we do what we're supposed to be doing, we're ready to take on the second duty.

And, if we're like me, there is a lot of scrambling to get on board with that second duty when it hits. lol

I see 2Tim 2:23-24 as not telling we should never engage in doctrinal discussion, but it tells me to be gentle when engaged in doctrinal discussions.

If I were to read someone's post that said there are multiple ways to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, I would engage that person and show scripturally the true and only way to enter Heaven. I would not start my conversation with them by saying they are fools and heading straight to the gates of hell (yes it is true they are fools heading straight to hell), but being that they are unlearned I would gently teach them the truth and allow the Holy Spirit to convict them. What I see on most of the threads here on CC is a direct assault on any one who disagrees with their theology. They are unable to teach because of strife.

If I were to read a post about full emersion water baptism vs. sprinkle baptism, I would not engage in debate as I know this would gender strife. I would have to be shown that one is not the path to salvation. The thief on the cross was not water baptized but entered paradise as Jesus said, Today you will be with Me in paradise.

I agree we should debate theology. I'm just looking for a civil discussion not an all out war of words.

"Actually He is ready to take on His role in us.....thru the death of our flesh, even the flesh that produces morality; having our will employee His Spirit as our New Creation...." Thus, I rest in Jesus Christ, sitting in things already accomplished in Him, awaiting my commission thru the Holy Spirit , who doesn't live apart from me, but lives within me..- yes!:

We cannot obey the flesh, nor can we mend or educate the flesh. No matter what spiritual method is employed, it simply cannot change the nature of the flesh one bit. Then what is to be done? The flesh must die. This is the way appointed by God. It must be through death and not in any other way. We want to wage war, to change, to make resolutions, and to use innumerable other methods to overcome the flesh, but God says that the flesh must die. If the flesh is dead, everything will be in order. It is not a matter of victory, but a matter of death.

This is very reasonable. The reason that we are fleshly is that we were born of the flesh. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh." From where it comes in, to there it will go out. The way of gain is the way of loss. Since we are born of the flesh, we are of the flesh. If we die, we are delivered from the flesh. Death is the one and only way. "For he who has died is justified from sin" (Rom. 6:7). Anything short of death will not do. Death is the only way of salvation.Since the flesh is so defiled (2 Pet. 2:10), even God cannot change it. Apart from putting it to death, there is no other way. Even the precious blood of the Lord Jesus cannot cleanse the "flesh" of man.

Thus in the Scriptures we find that the blood of the Lord Jesus only cleanses us from our sins, trespasses, and iniquities, and no mention is made of the cleansing of the flesh by the precious blood. The flesh has to be crucified (Gal. 5:24). Even the Holy Spirit cannot improve the flesh. That is why He does not dwell in the sinner, who is of the flesh (Gen. 6:3). Even when He dwells in the believers, His intention is not to help in the improvement of the flesh but to war against it (Gal. 5:17). "Upon man's flesh shall it [that is, the holy anointing oil as a type of the Holy Spirit] not be poured" (Exo. 30:32).

With this in view, is it not a fact that many of our prayers are meaningless, those beseeching the Lord to enable us to change for the better, to progress, to be loving, and to better serve Him? And is it not a fact that so much of our hope is vain, the hope that we may subsequently attain sanctification, experience the Lord every day, and glorify His name in all things? Truly we should not try to mend the flesh so as to make it cooperate with the Spirit of God. The predestined end of the flesh is death. Only by committing the flesh to death can we have salvation. Otherwise, we shall forever remain as its bondservants.