Arguments in the church can hinder unity and the mission of the gospel. The Bible calls us to handle disagreements with love and humility. Today, we’ll reflect on what Scripture teaches about addressing conflicts in the church and working toward reconciliation and harmony.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dispute
What Does The Bible Say About Arguments In The Church
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 emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts and disagreements directly with the person involved. It encourages open and honest communication in resolving issues within the church.
By approaching the individual privately and with a spirit of gentleness, we create an opportunity for reconciliation and restoration, which is a vital aspect of maintaining unity in the body of Christ.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
This verse reminds us to exercise patience and humility in our interactions with others, especially when disagreements arise. It encourages active listening and a gentle approach to communication.
By practicing restraint and avoiding hasty reactions, we create space for understanding and empathy, promoting peaceful resolutions and cultivating unity within the church.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony within the church community. It calls for a shared understanding and agreement among believers, with a focus on being united in mind and thought.
By setting aside personal preferences and agendas, we can prioritize the greater goal of maintaining peace and promoting the gospel message, creating a strong and cohesive body of Christ.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of gentle and compassionate speech in diffusing conflicts and avoiding further escalation. It encourages us to respond with kindness and understanding, rather than reacting with harshness.
By choosing to approach disagreements with humility and love, we can contribute to a more peaceful and supportive community within the church.
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening— that is folly and shame.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of active listening in resolving conflicts. It cautions against rushing to provide an answer or judgment without first taking the time to truly understand the other person’s perspective.
By practicing patience and seeking to genuinely comprehend others’ viewpoints, we can foster healthier conversations and find greater common ground within the church.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize peace and mutual encouragement in their interactions with one another. It reminds us to be intentional in our actions, seeking to build up and support one another in love.
By actively pursuing peace and choosing words and actions that promote unity, we contribute to the overall growth and health of the church.
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 within the church. It calls believers to bear with one another, showing grace and mercy, just as the Lord has forgiven us.
By extending forgiveness and letting go of grievances, we create an atmosphere of reconciliation and restoration, deepening our bonds as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Ephesians 4:26
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
This verse warns against letting anger linger and fester within the church community. It encourages prompt resolution of conflicts and the avoidance of sinful thoughts and actions that may result from unresolved anger.
By addressing disagreements in a timely manner and seeking reconciliation, we promote a healthier and more harmonious church environment.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse calls believers to approach conflicts with an attitude of humility and selflessness. It reminds us to prioritize the interests and well-being of others above our own desires and ambitions.
By humbly considering the needs and perspectives of others, we can work toward resolving conflicts and fostering a more loving and united church community.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse encourages believers to support and uplift one another through challenging times. It highlights the importance of compassionately bearing the burdens of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
By offering a listening ear, providing practical help, and showing genuine care, we strengthen the bonds of community and promote healing within the church.
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 pursue peace and reconciliation with others, to the best of our ability. It encourages us to prioritize peacekeeping and to strive for harmonious relationships within the church.
By making efforts to mend broken relationships and promote understanding, we contribute to a positive and nurturing environment within the church body.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
This verse provides a concise guide for how believers should engage with one another. It calls for unity of mind, empathy, love, compassion, and humility.
By embodying these qualities, we can foster a culture of understanding, support, and humility within the church, leading to healthier and more effective conflict resolutions.
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 provides a comprehensive list of the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of believers. It includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can cultivate these attributes, which are essential in resolving conflicts and promoting unity within the church.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
This verse calls believers to intentionally put on virtues that reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with one another. It highlights compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as qualities that promote unity.
By embodying these virtues, we create an atmosphere of grace and understanding, fostering healthier dialogue and conflict resolution within the church.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wise and measured responses in the face of anger or conflict. It warns against impulsively expressing anger and advises seeking a resolution with a calm and measured approach.
By pursuing peace and responding with wisdom and composure, we can navigate disagreements in a manner that is conducive to resolution and reconciliation within the church.
Philippians 4:2-3
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
This verse addresses a specific conflict between two individuals in the church, Euodia and Syntyche. It highlights the importance of unity in the Lord and calls for fellow believers to actively support and help in resolving conflicts.
By coming alongside those in disagreement and offering assistance, we can contribute to the restoration of relationships and promote a stronger sense of unity within the church community.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize and demonstrate deep love for one another. It highlights the power of love in forgiving and reconciling, as it has the ability to cover over a multitude of sins.
By choosing to love one another unconditionally, we create an environment where conflicts can be resolved in a spirit of grace and forgiveness, nurturing healthy relationships within the church.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse advises against engaging in unnecessary quarrels and encourages dropping contentious matters before they escalate into full-blown disputes.
By practicing discretion and letting go of minor disagreements, we can prevent conflicts from escalating and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious church environment.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse highlights the importance of avoiding strife and conflict, as it is honorable to pursue peace and unity. It warns against the folly of those who are quick to engage in quarrels.
By intentionally seeking peace and striving to resolve conflicts in a respectful and gentle manner, we uphold the values of Christ and promote a healthy church community.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
This verse urges believers to make every effort to live in peace with everyone, emphasizing the pursuit of holiness alongside peace. It affirms that holiness and unity go hand in hand.
By prioritizing peace and striving for holiness, we create a space where conflicts can be resolved in a Christ-like manner, reflecting the nature of our Savior to the world.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This well-known passage describes the attributes of love. It highlights the importance of patience, kindness, selflessness, and forgiveness in resolving conflicts and maintaining unity within the church.
By embodying these qualities, we demonstrate Christ’s love to one another and create an environment that fosters healing and reconciliation.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse reminds us of the positive impact of healthy conversations and interactions within the church community. It alludes to the refining process that takes place when believers sharpen and encourage one another.
By engaging in constructive dialogue and seeking to understand one another’s perspectives, we can grow and learn from our differences, fostering greater unity and understanding in the body of Christ.