Discord can harm relationships and communities, but the Bible calls us to seek peace and unity. Scripture provides guidance on avoiding division and fostering harmony. Today, we’ll explore what God’s Word teaches about resolving conflicts and promoting love among believers.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Discontent
What Does The Bible Say About Discord
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This verse highlights the seriousness of discord and conflict in a community. God detests those who intentionally stir up conflict and create division among people. This serves as a reminder for us to strive for peace and unity.
We are called to be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation and promoting harmony. Instead of causing strife, let us choose to bring people together and resolve conflicts in a peaceful and loving manner.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary quarrels. Engaging in arguments and disputes can quickly escalate tension and cause great damage to relationships.
To prevent greater harm, it is wise to let go of minor disagreements before they turn into full-blown conflicts. Choose peace over pride and realize that sometimes it is better to walk away than to engage in an argument that may have lasting negative consequences.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that those who actively pursue peace and work to reconcile differences are considered blessed and are identified as God’s children.
As Christians, we have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, just as Jesus reconciled us to God. Let us strive to be peacemakers in our relationships and communities, seeking to bring unity, understanding, and love to those around us.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse reminds us of the role gossip plays in fueling discord and conflicts. Gossip perpetuates misunderstandings and negative attitudes, leading to further division among people.
In our words, let us choose to speak life, love, and encouragement rather than engaging in idle gossip. By refusing to participate in spreading rumors or negativity, we can help bring about peace and help conflicts to die down.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
In this verse, the Apostle Paul encourages us to replace discordant behavior with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It is a call to let go of negative emotions and instead choose to extend grace and understanding to one another.
By choosing forgiveness and embracing Christ’s example of love, we can break the cycle of discord and foster an atmosphere of peace and unity in our relationships and communities.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This verse reveals that envy and selfish ambition are root causes of discord and disorder. When we are driven by selfish motives, we are more likely to engage in behaviors that harm others and disrupt the peace.
Let us examine our hearts and motives, striving for humility and contentment rather than falling into the trap of envy and selfish ambition. By promoting selflessness and pursuing the greater good, we can contribute to a more harmonious and loving environment.
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.”
In this verse, Paul instructs believers to bear with one another and forgive each other, just as God has forgiven us through Christ.
By practicing forgiveness, we can prevent grudges and resentments from taking root, which often lead to discord and fractured relationships. Let us extend grace to one another, choosing reconciliation over strife and forgiveness over holding onto past grievances.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse highlights the beauty and joy that comes from God’s people dwelling in harmony and unity.
When we set aside our differences and work together for a common purpose, a powerful witness is presented to the world. Let us strive for unity, both in our personal relationships and within the Body of Christ, bringing glory to God and inviting others to experience the transformative power of His love.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of patience in avoiding and resolving conflicts. When we respond with anger and quick temper, we only fan the flames of discord.
Instead, let us strive to be patient and understanding, seeking to calm tensions and promote peace. By exercising self-control in our interactions, we have the ability to diffuse conflicts and promote reconciliation.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
In this verse, Paul encourages believers to make every effort to pursue peace and build one another up.
When faced with opportunities for discord, let us choose the path of peace, seeking to understand one another and prioritize unity. By encouraging and supporting one another, we can cultivate an environment of harmony and love.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse reminds us that when we walk in righteousness and seek to please the Lord, He has the power to transform difficult relationships and bring about peace.
By aligning our actions and attitudes with God’s will, we can experience His supernatural intervention in our relationships. Let us trust in His ability to soften hearts and reconcile broken relationships, relying on His guidance and grace.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
Paul’s appeal in this verse is for believers to be perfectly united in mind and thought, without division.
Unity promotes a powerful witness to the world and reflects the nature of Christ. Let us set aside our personal preferences and seek to understand and respect the perspectives of others, striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in our relationships and gatherings.
Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
This verse emphasizes the role of removing mockers from our lives to avoid strife and quarrels.
Mockers are people who consistently sow seeds of discord and negativity. By distancing ourselves from those who constantly create conflict, we can experience greater peace and tranquility in our relationships and homes.
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.”
These verses highlight the characteristics that are produced by the Holy Spirit within a believer. Among them are peace, kindness, and self-control.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, these fruits will manifest, enabling us to navigate conflicts with grace and love. Let us constantly seek to cultivate these characteristics and rely on the Spirit’s leading in promoting peace and harmony.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse exhorts believers to do everything within their power to live at peace with everyone.
While we cannot control how others may respond or act, we can choose to be peacemakers and extend love and understanding to those around us. Let us actively pursue peace in our relationships, seeking reconciliation and unity to the best of our abilities.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse contrasts the harmful effects of hatred with the power of love to bring about healing and reconciliation.
When faced with conflict, let us choose to respond with love rather than hatred. Love has the ability to extend forgiveness, overlook offenses, and foster restoration. By covering over wrongs with love, we create an environment conducive to unity and harmony.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
In these verses, Paul encourages believers to develop a mindset of humility and consideration for others.
By prioritizing the well-being and interests of others above our own, we can create an atmosphere of selflessness and unity. Let us be mindful of how our actions and words impact those around us and seek to build up and support one another.
1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse instructs believers to actively seek and pursue peace.
Peace does not typically occur without intentional effort. Let us be diligent in our pursuit of peace, both in our personal lives and in our interactions with others. By choosing righteousness and actively working towards peaceful resolutions, we can contribute to a more harmonious and loving world.
James 4:1
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
This verse reminds us that the root of discord and conflict often lies within our own selfish desires.
By examining our own hearts and motives, we can identify areas where our selfishness may be causing strife. Let us surrender our desires to God and cultivate a spirit of humility, love, and selflessness, contributing to the restoration of peace in our relationships.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
In this verse, Paul exhorts believers to live in harmony with one another, demonstrating humility and refusing to be conceited.
Let us proactively seek opportunities to build bridges and promote understanding, instead of focusing on our differences or maintaining an air of superiority. By embracing humility and valuing the worth of every individual, we can foster an environment of unity and love.
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.”
Jesus teaches the importance of addressing conflicts directly with individuals involved, rather than spreading gossip or involving others unnecessarily.
By addressing conflicts in a spirit of love and reconciliation, we have the opportunity to restore relationships and bring about unity. Let us be willing to engage in difficult conversations, seeking resolution in a manner that reflects Christ’s teachings and example.
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
These verses highlight the importance of having Christ’s attitude and mindset towards one another, ultimately leading to unity in glorifying God.
By allowing God to shape our hearts and attitudes, we can overcome differences and work together towards a common purpose. Let us seek unity and the glorification of God in our relationships, communities, and beyond.
1 Thessalonians 5:13-15
“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
In these verses, Paul encourages believers to treat one another with love and respect, seeking peace and extending help and encouragement to those in need.
By practicing patience, kindness, and goodwill towards others, we can minimize discord and contribute to an environment of harmony and support. Let us embrace these teachings and strive to do good for one another and for all people we encounter in our lives.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse instructs us to actively seek and pursue peace as we turn away from evil and choose to do what is right.
Let us constantly evaluate our own actions and words, striving to promote peace and harmony. By pursuing righteousness and seeking reconciliation, we can exemplify God’s love and positively impact the world around us.