Disagreements can arise even among believers, but how should we handle them? Today, we’ll learn what the Bible teaches about resolving church conflicts with grace and unity.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Church Building
What Does The Bible Say About Church Conflicts
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 within the church. It calls for believers to be of one mind and to avoid divisions. When conflicts arise, it is crucial for Christians to seek agreement and unity through the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Unity is not about conformity, but rather about finding common ground and shared purpose. It requires humility, grace, and a willingness to put aside personal preferences for the greater good of the church. Resolving conflicts and promoting unity should be a priority in the body of Christ.
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 how to address conflicts within the church. It encourages believers to approach each other privately when a sin or fault is committed. The goal is not to shame or condemn, but to lovingly seek repentance and reconciliation.
Confrontation should be done with gentleness and respect, with the aim of restoring the relationship and helping the erring party to return to the right path. This approach fosters an environment of accountability and growth within the church.
James 4:1-2
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.”
These verses shed light on the root causes of conflicts within the church. They highlight the role of selfishness, envy, and unchecked desires in breeding disputes and divisions among believers.
When priorities shift from God’s will to personal wants and ambitions, conflicts arise. Seeking God’s guidance, submitting to His plans, and being content with His provision can help prevent church conflicts.
Romans 14:1
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
This verse instructs believers to be patient and accepting of those whose faith may be weaker or less mature. It urges them to avoid unnecessary arguments or disputes over matters that are not essential to salvation.
Instead of focusing on differences, the emphasis is on unity in Christ and showing love and support to one another, even when there are disagreements. By maintaining a spirit of acceptance, the church can maintain peace and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
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 highlights the importance of forgiveness in resolving conflicts within the church. It calls for believers to be patient and willing to pardon one another, just as God has forgiven them through Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for reconciliation and healing. By extending grace and letting go of past grievances, the church can create an atmosphere of unity, understanding, and restoration.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse emphasizes the value of wisdom and patience in dealing with conflicts. It encourages believers to exercise restraint and discretion, overlooking minor offenses in order to maintain peace and harmony.
Learning to let go of grievances and offenses can prevent the escalation of conflicts within the church. It requires a humble and gentle spirit, placing the well-being of the community above personal pride and ego.
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 should guide the interactions and relationships within the church. The fruit of the Spirit is to be evident in the lives of believers, fostering an environment of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When conflicts arise, relying on these attributes of the Spirit can lead to peaceful resolution and reconciliation. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through individuals can bring unity and healing to the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in resolving conflicts within the church. It encourages believers to treat one another with grace and understanding, extending the same forgiveness that they have received from God through Christ.
By embracing a spirit of kindness and compassion, conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for growth, understanding, and reconciliation. Demonstrating love and forgiveness can help restore broken relationships and heal the church body.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse reminds believers of the power of gentle and respectful communication in diffusing conflicts. It encourages them to respond with kindness and understanding rather than reacting in anger or with harsh words.
By choosing to engage in constructive dialogue rather than fueling the fire of conflict, individuals can promote understanding, empathy, and peaceful resolution. Gentle words have the potential to calm heated situations, paving the way for reconciliation and unity within the church.
1 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 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.”
These verses provide guidance on how believers should interact with one another, even in the midst of conflicts. They call for unity of mind and heart, showing sympathy, love, compassion, and humility.
When faced with hostility or offense, Christians are called to respond with blessings instead of retaliating. By imitating Christ’s character in our actions, we contribute to the resolution of conflicts and uphold the higher purpose of glorifying God.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages believers to strive for peace and to make every effort to live harmoniously with others. While conflicts may arise, the focus should be on seeking reconciliation and maintaining peaceful relationships with fellow believers.
Individuals should examine their own actions and attitudes, taking responsibility for their part in conflicts and actively working towards resolution. By promoting peace, unity, and love, believers can create a positive and nurturing environment within the church.
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.”
These verses call believers to adopt a selfless and humble attitude when dealing with conflicts. It advises against self-centeredness and encourages placing the needs and interests of others before our own.
By prioritizing the well-being and unity of the church, conflicts can be approached with a spirit of humility and a desire to understand and meet the needs of others. This mindset fosters resolution, reconciliation, and strong relationships within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse highlights the importance of preventing conflicts from escalating and getting out of hand. It advises against dwelling on quarrels or exacerbating disputes.
Recognizing the potential damage that can arise from pursuing disputes, believers are encouraged to let go of minor issues and disagreements, focusing instead on maintaining peace and unity within the church.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”
These verses emphasize the value of living in peace and holiness. They call for believers to make every effort to pursue peaceful relationships and to strive for personal holiness.
By embodying the teachings of Christ and exemplifying His love and grace, individuals contribute to a harmonious church environment. Pursuing peace and striving for holiness allows the light of Christ to shine through the church and impact the lives of others.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of encouragement and edification within the church. It encourages believers to support and uplift one another, especially in times of conflict or difficulty.
By offering words of affirmation, support, and understanding, believers can help reconcile conflicts and restore relationships. Encouragement fosters unity, resilience, and a sense of belonging within the body of Christ.
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.”
These verses highlight the priority of reconciliation and forgiveness in the sight of God. They remind believers that resolving conflicts and restoring broken relationships is more important than religious rituals or acts of worship.
When conflicts arise, Christians are called to actively seek reconciliation, even if it means temporarily setting aside other commitments. By prioritizing unity and forgiveness, relationships can be healed, and the church can worship with a clear conscience.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse emphasizes the wisdom of avoiding unnecessary strife and conflicts. It suggests that it is an honorable trait to seek peace and find ways to prevent disputes.
Choosing to pursue peace rather than quarrel demonstrates maturity and discernment. By exercising restraint and cultivating a spirit of understanding, believers honor God and promote a healthy and harmonious church environment.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
These verses provide guidance on how to respond to repeated offenses and conflicts within the church. They call for believers to address wrongdoings and offer rebuke when necessary, but also to extend forgiveness when genuine repentance is shown.
By practicing forgiveness, even in the face of repeated offenses, believers reflect the mercy and grace of God. Forgiveness has the power to break the cycle of conflicts, enabling reconciliation and fostering a culture of love and understanding.
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 actions that promote peace and the mutual building up of one another. It emphasizes the importance of intentionally pursuing actions and attitudes that contribute to unity and growth within the church.
By actively seeking ways to encourage, support, and foster peace, believers contribute to the resolution of conflicts and the strengthening of relationships. Making peace a priority opens the door to mutual edification and a thriving church community.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and goodness of unity within the body of Christ. It acknowledges the positive and uplifting effects of believers living harmoniously and peacefully together.
When conflicts arise, the goal should always be to restore unity and seek resolution. The church is called to be a reflection of God’s love and peace, and living together in unity is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of Christ.
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 within the church. It warns against hot-tempered and impulsive reactions, which can escalate disputes.
By cultivating patience and demonstrating restraint, individuals have the ability to de-escalate conflicts and promote reconciliation. Patience allows for better understanding, empathy, and the opportunity for peaceful resolution.