Conflict is a part of life, but the Bible provides guidance on resolving disagreements with grace and humility. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture says about handling conflicts in a way that honors God and strengthens relationships.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Confiding In Others
What Does The Bible Say About Conflicts
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
This verse highlights the importance of patience in resolving conflicts. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration, a patient person has the ability to calm a quarrel and bring about peace.
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.”
This passage emphasizes the root cause of conflicts, which is often selfish desires. It reminds us to seek God’s guidance and to ask for His provision rather than resorting to quarrels and fights to fulfill our own desires.
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 teaches the importance of reconciliation and seeking peace with others. It emphasizes the need to prioritize resolving conflicts and restoring relationships, even before our acts of worship or service to God.
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
This verse highlights the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary conflicts. Instead of being quick to quarrel, it is honorable to seek peace and choose not to engage in strife.
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 a community. It encourages addressing the issue directly with the person involved, in a respectful and private manner, with the goal of reconciliation.
Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
This verse serves as a warning against destructive conflicts and encourages believers to seek unity and love instead. It cautions against harmful words or actions that can lead to the destruction of relationships and community.
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 emphasizes the importance of effective communication in resolving conflicts. It reminds us to be patient listeners, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, as our anger does not lead to the righteousness that God desires.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
This verse illustrates the cascading effect of unresolved conflicts. It encourages us to let go of grievances and disagreements before they escalate into full-blown disputes, causing further damage to relationships.
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 believers to prioritize reconciliation over personal gain. It suggests that it is better to be wronged or cheated than to engage in legal battles, stressing the importance of forgiveness and restoring relationships.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse highlights the power of God to bring about reconciliation and peace even in the midst of conflicts. It reminds us that when our ways please the Lord, He can intervene and turn our enemies into allies.
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 passage calls believers to let go of negative emotions and behaviors associated with conflicts. Instead, we are encouraged to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another, following the example of God’s forgiveness through Christ.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and self-control in dealing with conflicts. It suggests that a wise person understands the value of patience, while a quick-tempered individual acts foolishly.
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.”
This passage encourages believers to adopt a selfless and humble attitude in conflicts. It calls us to prioritize the interests and well-being of others above our own, fostering an environment of unity and harmony.
Proverbs 25:8
“Do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?”
This verse advises us to exercise caution in resorting to legal actions to resolve conflicts. It questions the potential shame and negative consequences that can arise when conflicts are taken to court, urging us to seek alternative approaches to 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 bearing with one another and extending forgiveness, just as God forgave us through Christ. It reminds us that forgiveness is an essential aspect of resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse highlights the value of being peacemakers and actively seeking reconciliation. It signifies that those who work towards peace and strive to resolve conflicts are recognized as children of God.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse calls believers to make every effort to pursue peace and build one another up. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing harmony and mutual growth within the community of faith.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
This passage advises believers to avoid engaging in pointless arguments that only lead to quarrels. Instead, we are called to be kind, patient, and focused on teaching and guiding others in a loving manner.
James 3:18
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
This verse reminds us of the positive outcome that comes from being peacemakers. It assures us that those who cultivate peace will reap the benefits of righteousness and harmony in their lives.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse emphasizes the role of gossip in fueling conflicts. It suggests that by avoiding gossip and refusing to engage in malicious talk, we can contribute to the resolution of quarrels.
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 reconciliation with everyone to the best of their ability. It acknowledges the reality that true peace may not always be achieved but emphasizes our responsibility to do our part.
Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
This verse warns against the destructive effects of anger and a hot temper. It highlights the connection between unchecked emotions and conflicts, urging us to seek self-control and peace instead.
1 Peter 3:11
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse encourages believers to actively pursue peace by turning away from evil and doing good. It reminds us of our responsibility to seek peace in our interactions and relationships with others.
Proverbs 18:19
“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
This verse portrays the difficulty of resolving conflicts once trust has been broken. It underscores the importance of addressing conflicts early on, rather than allowing them to escalate and become harder to reconcile.
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 passage highlights the limitless nature of forgiveness. It teaches us that extending forgiveness is essential in resolving conflicts, stressing the need for a forgiving heart that is willing to reconcile with others repeatedly.