Conflict is a part of life, but the Bible gives advice on handling it peacefully. Scripture suggests addressing conflicts with kindness, seeking forgiveness, and promoting harmony. These steps can lead to healthier relationships.
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What Does The Bible Say About Dealing With Conflict
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of being a peacemaker in conflicts. As children of God, we are called to actively seek peace and reconciliation, rather than perpetuating conflict.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the power of gentle and kind words in diffusing conflicts. Responding with patience and understanding can help deescalate tense situations and lead to resolution.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse encourages us to practice active listening and self-control in conflicts. By being slow to anger and quick to listen, we can foster understanding and promote righteousness in our responses.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse urges us to be proactive in preventing conflicts. By choosing to let go of minor disagreements and not initiating quarrels, we can avoid the destructive consequences of full-blown disputes.
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
This verse teaches us to manage our anger in conflicts responsibly. It reminds us not to let anger linger, as it can provide an opportunity for negativity to fester and create division.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse emphasizes the qualities that the Holy Spirit cultivates in us, including peace and self-control. By allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes, we can approach conflicts with love and wisdom.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse highlights the foolishness of instigating conflicts. Instead, it encourages us to pursue peace and honor by steering clear of unnecessary disputes.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse reminds us of our responsibility to actively seek peace with others. While we cannot control how others respond, we are called to do our part in promoting harmony and reconciliation.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in resolving conflicts. Just as the Lord has forgiven us, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness to others, even when grievances arise.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges us to respond to hostility and insults with kindness and blessings. Instead of retaliating, we are called to exemplify Christ’s love and grace, knowing that blessings await those who choose the path of peace.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse provides guidance on resolving conflicts within the body of believers. It encourages us to address issues directly with the individual involved, seeking resolution and reconciliation privately.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse assures us that when we walk in righteousness and seek to please the Lord, He can intervene in conflicts and bring about reconciliation, even with our adversaries.
Romans 14:19
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse underscores the importance of actively pursuing peace and building one another up. It reminds us that our words and actions should contribute to unity and the growth of others spiritually.
James 3:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
This verse encourages us to be peacemakers, highlighting that our efforts to promote peace and resolution yield blessings and righteousness in our lives.
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
This verse affirms that God desires unity and order among His people. In conflicts, we should strive to bring about peace, aligning ourselves with God’s character and His desire for His Church.
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”
This verse warns against hasty responses and judgments in conflicts. It reminds us to first listen attentively and understand the perspectives of others before forming conclusions or providing answers.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse presents the golden rule as a guiding principle in conflicts. Treating others with respect, empathy, and fairness can contribute to peaceful resolutions and healthier relationships.
Proverbs 25:9
“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence.”
This verse cautions against betraying trust and confidentiality in conflicts. It teaches us to handle disputes with integrity and not to exploit personal information or secrets to gain an advantage.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'”
This verse emphasizes the limitless nature of forgiveness. In conflicts, we are called to extend forgiveness repeatedly, mirroring the abundant grace that God has shown us.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control and mindful speech in conflicts. By guarding our words, we can avoid escalating tensions and the potential harm that can result from reckless speech.
Genesis 13:8
“So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.’
This verse exemplifies the wisdom of seeking peaceful resolutions in conflicts. Instead of allowing disputes to divide them, Abram proposed a peaceful solution to his relative Lot, recognizing the importance of unity.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse highlights the role of patience in resolving conflicts. Being slow to anger and practicing patience can bring about a calming influence, helping to restore peace in volatile situations.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
This verse reminds us of the central role of love in resolving conflicts. Love serves as the foundation for unity and enables us to exhibit virtues such as forgiveness, patience, and understanding.
Proverbs 26:21
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.”
This verse vividly illustrates the destructive potential of a quarrelsome attitude. It serves as a warning against engaging in arguments and disputes that only fuel further conflict and strife.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This verse stresses the importance of reconciling conflicts before offering our worship to God. It encourages us to prioritize resolving personal disagreements and seeking forgiveness to maintain healthy relationships.