In this book review series, I will be looking at If You Bite & Devour One Another, written by Alexander Strauch. The title for this book was drawn from Galatians 5:15, where the apostle Paul rebuked the churches in Galatia for their constant infighting, reminding them that "...the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Gal. 5:14-16, NIV) This means that while we are responsible for settling conflicts among ourselves, we must rely on the power, presence, and work of the Holy Spirit within us to do so. All the good we can do is done with the aid of the Spirit.
In his book, Strauch presents a comprehensive (and I would argue exhaustive) look at what Scripture instructs on what is necessary for sincere Christ-followers to do when they go through struggles in their life. In the first part of his book, Strauch discusses how believers should act when facing conflict: Christians are to act in the Spirit, act in love, and act in humility.
Acting in the Spirit means that when confronting conflict, believers should not act according to our sinful nature, revealing "the works of the flesh," such as immorality, divisions, bitterness, or anger (Gal. 5:16-21). Rather, we are to act according to the power of Christ moving in us; we should show "the fruit of the Spirit," such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:16-18, 22-23). These manifest as Christlike character in the lives of believers. We must also display "the wisdom from above." In handling disagreements as a Spirit-controlled Christian, we should pray, check both our attitude and conduct, act in love, seek the counsel of Spirit-filled believers, treat others with both kindness and gentleness, and be humble.
To act in love, Christians must remember the words of 1 Corinthians 13 and apply them. Thus, our love for others (or lack thereof) will define how we act when facing conflict. Additionally, love does not seek revenge when it has been wronged, and it overcomes evil through prayer, forbearance, and kindness. Love covers a multitude of sins and even denies itself for the good of others. Finally, believers cannot simply talk about love and then behave differently; believers must practice what they preach about God's love.
Followers of Jesus are not only to act lovingly in disputes, but also act in humility. Acting in humility does not mean believers should endure false teaching meekly. Instead, we are called to stand for the truth of God's Word and must denounce wrong attitudes within the church. This includes calling out selfish ambitions and pride. However, there is also a positive aspect to this. Though we tear out flawed attitudes, we are also to teach right attitudes in the church, such as understanding Christlike humility and servanthood and taking on the attitude of Christ. Ultimately, humility can and will, change a church for the better if its leaders and members practice it constantly and continuously.
Come back tomorrow to learn what Strauch advocates we need to control during conflict.
Come back tomorrow to learn what Strauch advocates we need to control during conflict.
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