When you read the word “contend” in the Bible, it’s not just talking about having a little argument or disagreement. Instead, it points to something much more serious and active: a strong effort, a struggle, or even a fight for something important. In a biblical sense, to contend means to stand firm, to strive earnestly, and to defend a truth or a cause with conviction, often against opposition. It’s about being an active participant in your faith.

Contending for Your Faith

One of the most famous mentions of “contend” in the Bible comes from the small but mighty book of Jude. In Jude 1:3, it says: “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write to you and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

What does it mean to “contend for the faith” here?

  • It’s like an athlete competing: The Greek word used here is epagonizomai, which is related to the word for an athlete’s intense struggle in a competition. So, it’s not a relaxed effort, but a full-hearted, strenuous effort.
  • Defending the truth: It means to actively protect and uphold the core beliefs of Christianity. In Jude’s time, false teachers were trying to twist the truth, and believers were called to stand strong against these errors.
  • Living out your beliefs: It also means living in a way that shows the truth of your faith, not just believing it in your head.

So, when the Bible tells us to contend for the faith, it’s calling us to be active, informed, and courageous in both understanding and living out our Christian beliefs, especially when they are challenged. Read more about Faith

Contending for Justice and Righteousness

Beyond defending Christian beliefs, the idea of “contend” can also apply to striving for what is right and just in the world. This often means speaking up against unfairness, standing with those who are treated poorly, and working to make things right according to God’s standards.

In the Old Testament, God sometimes “contended” with His people when they went astray or acted unjustly. For example, in Micah 6:2, it says: “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s complaint; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is contending with Israel.” Here, God is showing He has a serious issue with their actions and is calling them to account.

For us, this can mean:

  • Speaking up for others: Not staying silent when we see injustice.
  • Working for fairness: Trying to make our communities and societies more fair and righteous.
  • Following God’s laws: Making sure our actions align with what God says is good and right.

This kind of contending is about being a voice for God’s values in a world that often ignores them. Read more about Justice

Contending in Prayer

Finally, to contend can also refer to a deep and earnest form of prayer. It’s not just a quick request, but a persistent and fervent wrestling with God in prayer for a specific outcome or for the well-being of others.

The Apostle Paul mentions this when speaking about a man named Epaphras in Colossians 4:12: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always contending for you in his prayers that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

This shows that:

  • Prayer can be a struggle: Sometimes, prayer requires deep effort and persistence, especially for difficult situations or people.
  • It’s about others: Epaphras was contending for the Colossians, battling in prayer for their spiritual strength and growth.

In summary, when the Bible uses the word “contend,” it’s inviting us to an active, passionate, and sometimes challenging engagement. Whether it’s defending the truths of our faith, standing up for justice, or wrestling in prayer, to contend is to take our faith seriously and to actively participate in God’s work in the world.