Conflict is an inevitable part of life. We all face challenges, disagreements, and problems with others that can lead to conflict. But as Christians, we have a guidebook filled with wisdom and guidance on how to navigate through these difficult situations.
The Bible is a source of comfort and clarity, offering verses that speak directly to the issue of conflict. Let’s take a closer look at some powerful verses that can help us in times of conflict.
Bible Verses About Conflict
James 4:1-3
“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. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
This verse highlights the root cause of conflicts – our own selfish desires and wrong motives. When we become consumed with our own wants and covet what others have, it leads to quarrels and fights. The passage reminds us that instead of relying on our own desires and trying to fulfill them through worldly means, we should turn to God in prayer and ask with pure motives, seeking His will above our own.
Conflicts can arise from a lack of communication and understanding, and this verse serves as a reminder to approach conflicts with humility and a desire to resolve them through seeking God’s guidance.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse encourages us to actively pursue peace and reconciliation in the midst of conflicts. Peacemakers are described as “children of God” because they reflect the character of their Heavenly Father, who is a God of peace. As Christians, we are called to emulate God’s peacemaking nature and work towards resolving conflicts in a peaceful and compassionate manner.
By being peacemakers, we not only bring harmony to our relationships but also bear witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love and forgiveness.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of letting go of negative emotions and behaviors that contribute to conflicts. Bitterness, anger, and slander only fuel disagreements and hinder resolution. Instead, we are called to cultivate kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards one another, imitating the forgiveness we have received from God in Christ.
Choosing to forgive and extend grace in the face of conflicts not only brings healing and restoration but also demonstrates our obedience to God’s command to love one another.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the power of our words in diffusing or escalating conflicts. Responding with gentleness and humility, even in the face of anger or hostility, can have a calming effect and promote understanding. Conversely, responding with harshness can exacerbate tensions and intensify conflicts.
By choosing our words wisely and speaking with gentleness, we can contribute to peaceful resolutions and maintain healthy relationships.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This proverb urges us to exercise restraint and avoid unnecessary arguments. Just as a small breach in a dam can lead to a destructive flood, engaging in quarrels and disputes can escalate conflicts and cause lasting damage to relationships.
Recognizing the importance of preventing conflicts from escalating, we should choose our battles wisely and be willing to let go of minor disagreements in order to preserve peace and unity.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages us to resist the temptation to seek revenge or repay evil with more evil. Instead, we are called to always pursue what is right, not only in the sight of God but also in the eyes of others.
Furthermore, we are urged to strive for peace and live harmoniously with everyone to the best of our ability. While it may not always be possible to reconcile with everyone, we should make every effort to promote peace and extend grace.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This proverb reminds us of the value of avoiding unnecessary conflicts and maintaining a peaceful disposition. Engaging in constant quarrels and disputes can diminish our credibility and reputation, while choosing to avoid strife demonstrates wisdom and maturity.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation, seeking to bring unity and grace into our relationships.
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 teaches us how to handle conflicts within the body of Christ. When someone wrongs us, rather than gossiping or spreading negativity, we are encouraged to address the issue directly with love and humility, seeking resolution and restoration.
By approaching conflicts in a spirit of reconciliation, we can foster understanding and promote growth within the community of believers.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This proverb highlights the importance of patience in dealing with conflicts. Reacting hastily in anger or impatience often leads to foolish actions and further exacerbates the situation.
Instead, cultivating patience allows us to gain understanding, exercise self-control, and respond to conflicts in a measured and productive manner.
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 reiterates the call to bear with one another and forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us. In the midst of conflicts and grievances, we are encouraged to extend grace and forgiveness, recognizing the forgiveness we have received from God.
By choosing forgiveness, we release the burden of resentment and open the door to healing and reconciliation.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This psalm celebrates the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. When conflicts are resolved and relationships are restored, it brings joy and delight to both God and His people.
As Christians, we are called to prioritize unity and work towards resolving conflicts in a way that unifies the body of Christ and testifies to His love and grace.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This proverb reveals the power of God to bring peace even in the midst of conflicts. When we commit our ways to the Lord and seek to live in obedience to Him, He can intervene and reconcile even the most hostile relationships.
Trusting in God’s ability to transform hearts, we can have hope and confidence that conflicts can be resolved and lasting peace can be established.
Proverbs 18:19
“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
This proverb depicts the difficulty of resolving conflicts with those who have been deeply hurt or wronged. When someone feels betrayed or wounded, it can be challenging to bridge the divide and restore trust.
While it may take time and intentional effort, it is important to patiently and persistently pursue reconciliation, seeking healing and restoration in relationships that have been damaged by conflict.
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 counteract evil with acts of kindness and blessings. In the face of conflict, it is tempting to respond with negativity and retaliation, but as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently.
By choosing to bless and show love to those who mistreat us, we demonstrate the transformation and power of Christ’s love in our lives.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
This proverb warns against the destructive consequences of anger and a hot temper. Not only do they escalate conflicts, but they also lead to further wrongdoing and sins.
Instead, we are called to exercise self-control and seek understanding and resolution in a calm and measured manner.
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 reminds us of the innate qualities that the Holy Spirit produces within us as believers. These qualities, including love, peace, and self-control, equip us to navigate conflicts in a way that honors God and promotes unity.
By allowing the fruit of the Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes, we can approach conflicts with wisdom, humility, and a Christ-like character.
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 exchange between Peter and Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and extends it beyond our human limitations. Just as God’s forgiveness knows no bounds, we are called to forgive others repeatedly, even in the face of ongoing conflicts.
Forgiveness is not only an act of obedience but also a means to release the burden of bitterness and promote reconciliation.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This proverb underscores the significance of exercising restraint when it comes to our words. In conflicts, words have the power to either aggravate the situation or diffuse tensions.
By being mindful of our speech and choosing our words wisely, we can prevent unnecessary escalations and contribute to peaceful resolutions.
Romans 12:19-21
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This passage teaches us to resist the temptation to seek vengeance and trust in God’s justice instead. Instead of retaliating, we are called to respond with acts of kindness and compassion, even towards our enemies.
By choosing to overcome evil with good, we break the cycle of hostility and create opportunities for reconciliation and transformation.
Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
This passage highlights the importance of introspection and self-reflection before addressing conflicts with others. It cautions against hypocritical judgments and encourages personal growth and transformation.
Before pointing out the faults of others, we should humbly examine ourselves and address our own shortcomings, enabling us to approach conflicts with humility, empathy, and a willingness to change.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This proverb contrasts the consequences of a quick-tempered approach versus a patient and gentle response in conflict situations. While anger and impatience fuel conflicts, exercising patience has the power to calm and resolve quarrels.
By choosing patience over anger, we create space for understanding, empathy, and effective communication.
1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
This verse challenges our desire for retaliation and self-justice by encouraging us to prioritize unity and harmony over personal vindication. It suggests that it is sometimes better to be wronged or cheated for the sake of maintaining peace within the body of Christ.
Choosing reconciliation and forgiveness over personal victory allows us to reflect the sacrificial love of Christ and fosters an environment of grace and humility.
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 passage emphasizes the importance of seeking reconciliation and resolving conflicts before approaching God in worship. It underscores the priority of restoring relationships and prioritizing unity over external acts of devotion.
True worship is not just about religious rituals; it encompasses our attitudes and actions towards others.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a conflict ceases.”
This proverb highlights the destructive role of gossip in perpetuating conflicts. When we engage in gossip and spread rumors, it fuels misunderstandings and tensions instead of fostering resolution and reconciliation.
By choosing to refrain from gossip and instead seek understanding and clear communication, we can contribute to the cessation of conflicts.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse calls us to actively pursue actions that promote peace and build up one another. In the midst of conflicts, we should prioritize finding common ground, seeking understanding, and fostering mutual growth.
By committing to these efforts, we create an environment conducive to resolving conflicts and strengthening relationships.
Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
This verse underscores the essential nature of forgiveness in the life of a Christian. As recipients of God’s forgiveness, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others.
The seriousness of forgiveness is highlighted by Jesus’ words that our relationship with God hinges on our ability and willingness to forgive others from our hearts.
2 Timothy 2:24
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
This verse admonishes believers against a quarrelsome attitude and emphasizes the importance of cultivating kindness, gentleness, and patience in dealing with conflicts.
Instead of harboring resentment or seeking constant disputes, we are called to emulate Christ’s character and exemplify His love and grace even in the face of disagreements.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize humility and selflessness in our interactions with others, even in conflicts. By valuing others above ourselves and considering their perspectives, we create space for effective communication and resolution.
Choosing humility over self-centeredness allows us to seek reconciliation and unity rather than being driven by selfish ambitions.
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 passage implores us to practice active listening and exercise self-control in conflicts. By being quick to listen and slow to speak, we can gain a better understanding of the issues at hand, demonstrate empathy, and promote fruitful communication.
Choosing to control our anger and respond thoughtfully allows the righteousness of God to be manifested in our actions, leading to more effective conflict resolution.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Fishing (With Commentary)
What Does the Bible Say About Conflict?
In the Bible, we find several teachings and principles regarding conflict resolution and how we should handle disagreements and disputes. These teachings are valuable for guiding us in our interactions with others and promoting peace and reconciliation.
1. Peacemaking and Reconciliation
The Bible encourages us to be peacemakers and to actively seek reconciliation with others. In Matthew 5:9 (NIV), Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” This verse emphasizes the importance of actively working toward peace and resolving conflicts.
2. Resolving Issues Directly
In Matthew 18:15 (NIV), Jesus provides a clear guideline for addressing conflicts within the community of believers: “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 encourages us to address conflicts directly with the individuals involved rather than gossiping or involving others unnecessarily.
3. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV), Jesus teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiveness is essential for resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.
4. Avoiding Unnecessary Quarrels
Proverbs 20:3 (NIV) advises, “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” This verse reminds us that not all conflicts are worth engaging in, and sometimes it’s wiser to avoid unnecessary quarrels.
5. Seeking Wisdom and Mediation
The Bible encourages seeking wise counsel and mediation when conflicts are difficult to resolve. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” In situations where resolution seems elusive, seeking the guidance of wise individuals can be beneficial.
6. Love and Compassion
Above all, the Bible emphasizes the importance of love and compassion in dealing with conflicts. In Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV), we are encouraged to clothe ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” and to “forgive one another… as the Lord forgave you.” Love and compassion should guide our actions and responses in times of conflict.
In summary, the Bible provides valuable guidance on conflict resolution, emphasizing peacemaking, forgiveness, direct communication, and seeking wisdom. These principles are essential for promoting harmony and reconciliation in our relationships with others.