Wars and Fightings Among You

If we should love our enemies, bless them that curse us, and pray for them, how much better should we treat our own brethren? Yet, in God's churches, there are wars and fightings among us. These things ought not to be!

At first, these opening verses of chapter 4 seem out of place, considering the previous context. But James has a great zeal for the brethren, and for the love that should be found amongst them, considering the grace that has been imparted unto them. Because of this, he comes on strongly.

The opening question seems to emphasize two things: WHERE do these wars and fightings come from; and Why are they found among YOU?

Even in defense of doctrine, we are to not be brawlers, out of control. That is why one of the requirements for an elder is that he is to not be a brawler.