Discord refers to an intrinsic disagreement producing quarreling, dissension, and antagonism. Words that are synonymous with discord are strife, conflict, contention, dissension, and variance. Sowing discord among brethren is never purposeful in a good way and only destroys. Discord is sown by promoting self-determination, which means free choice to decide one's own actions, thoughts, or state without any outside influence. Strife emphasizes a struggle for superiority rather than the incompatibility of the people involved, and pride is evident where discord is sown. Satan instigates discord among brethren and especially wants to sow discord in the church through ploys such as self-determination or feeling not treated fairly. These ploys promise that the grass is greener on the other side and liberation from unfair authority. God reacts with anger to sowing discord, as seen when He brought a severe sickness upon Miriam for her rebellion against Moses. Dissension is a sin and foolishness that God hates. Murmuring and complaining place one under condemnation, and Satan can destroy those who murmur and complain. Individuals who feel they do not like what is going on may sow discord or cause dissension by leaving and trying to pull others with them, but this is not right. The individual responsibility is to avoid discord and instead serve as light bearers and an example as Christians.

Quarrels represent a form of verbal war in which participants use words to impose their will on others and seek victory over them. This attitude stems from self-interest and pride, which drive individuals to defend or advance their own positions at the expense of others. Quarrels escalate from simple discussion into competition marked by a desire to beat down opponents mentally or otherwise. The underlying Greek term eris denotes dispute, quarrel, strife, discord, or argument. This word appears only in the writings of the apostle Paul and always carries a negative sense connected to actions that endanger unity. Quarrels belong among the works of the flesh and reflect the carnal mind's enmity against God. They involve pride, ignorance, envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, and vanity. Such quarrels produce division and disunity within the congregation. They corrupt others by drawing them into arguments over words, doctrines, or trivial matters. Participants often complicate issues, dwell on exceptions, or raise what-if scenarios to cast doubt on plain statements. The proper response requires withdrawal from those who persist in quarrels after admonition. Individuals must avoid engaging in debate and instead turn away to prevent escalation. This approach preserves peace and edification. Jesus Christ demonstrated the pattern by refusing to enter into quarrels, stating a clear principle, and departing without further contention. Quarrels stand in contrast to the virtues of meekness, humility, gentleness, kindness, forbearance, and self-control. They hinder the pursuit of unity and reflect a failure to submit to one another.

In Luke 22 a dispute occurred among the disciples at the time Jesus Christ gave the new commandment. The Greek word for this dispute is philoneikia. It is defined as quarrelsomeness that is a dispute or strife. A deeper examination shows it is an attitude of love of strife and eagerness to contend. It is also described as a contention or dispute and literally a love of contention. Another definition presents it as a readiness or desire to argue or quarrel. This attitude is the same ingrained mindset found in all men in this world that leads to death in their sins. Jesus Christ gave the new commandment to bring unity with the Father and the Son for their glory. The new commandment provides liberty from the shackles of minds and hearts driven by a self-serving love for contention. This liberty enables learning and living as Jesus Christ lives with outgoing concern from the inside out.