Conflict within families is painful, but it’s not a new issue. The Bible addresses family struggles and gives advice on how to bring healing and restoration. Let’s look at what Scripture says about managing family conflict and how God desires unity in our homes.
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What Does The Bible Say About family conflict
Genesis 13:8
So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of peaceful resolution within families, urging them to avoid disputes and conflicts. It teaches the value of maintaining harmony and unity among relatives, reminding us to prioritize the preservation of relationships over personal disagreements and disputes.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse highlights the power of communication and the impact it has on conflict resolution. It encourages us to respond to family conflicts with gentleness and kindness, as this approach can diffuse anger and tension. Choosing our words wisely and responding with love can lead to reconciliation and restore peace within the family.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
This verse reminds us of the importance of being peacemakers within our families. As children of God, we are encouraged to actively seek resolution and promote peace. By stepping into the role of mediators and working towards reconciliation, we reflect the character of God and strive to bring unity to our families.
Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
This verse urges us to avoid engaging in arguments that can escalate into greater conflicts within our families. It teaches us to recognize the potential harm that can come from holding onto grievances and encourages us to let go of disputes before they cause irreparable damage to relationships.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
This verse emphasizes the significance of unconditional love in family relationships. It reminds us that love has the power to forgive and overlook the imperfections and mistakes of others. By extending love and grace to one another, we can create an environment of understanding and acceptance, ultimately resolving conflicts within our families.
Proverbs 18:19
An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
This verse illustrates the stubbornness and hardness of heart that can arise when family members become offended. It highlights the potential for conflicts to become entrenched and difficult to resolve. Therefore, it is crucial to address issues promptly, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness to prevent conflicts from escalating further.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
This passage emphasizes the virtues necessary for resolving family conflicts. It encourages humility, gentleness, patience, and love as we navigate differences and disagreements. By actively pursuing unity and peace, we can work towards resolving conflicts within our families and strengthening the bonds that hold us together.
Proverbs 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
This verse exhorts us to exercise wisdom and self-control when confronted with family conflicts. It reminds us that venting anger without restraint can lead to further chaos and damage. Instead, wise individuals bring calm and seek resolution, avoiding destructive behaviors that can exacerbate the situation.
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 within family relationships. It encourages us to extend grace and mercy to one another, just as God has forgiven us. By choosing forgiveness, we can overcome conflicts and restore loving relationships within our families.
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 passage highlights the destructive nature of stirring up conflicts within families. It reminds us that God detests those who intentionally seed discord and division. As followers of Christ, we are called to uphold peace and strive for unity within our families, rejecting actions and behaviors that cause strife.
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 verse offers practical advice for resolving family conflicts. It encourages active listening and discourages hasty anger and words that can worsen a dispute. By adopting an attitude of patience and self-control, we can create an atmosphere of understanding and promote peaceful resolutions within our families.
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 a framework for addressing conflicts within families. It instructs us to approach the individual privately and respectfully to address their wrongdoing. By fostering open and honest conversations, we have the opportunity to resolve conflicts and restore healthy relationships within our families.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
This verse highlights the power of love in resolving family conflicts. It reminds us that choosing love over hatred can lead to reconciliation and healing. By covering the wrongs committed against us with love and forgiveness, we can build bridges towards peace within our families.
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 passage reminds us of the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces within us. By allowing these fruits to manifest in our lives, we can navigate family conflicts with love, kindness, and self-control, fostering an environment of understanding and resolution.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
This verse highlights the power of our words in resolving family conflicts. It cautions against reckless and hurtful speech, which can cause deep wounds and fracture relationships. However, with wisdom and care, we can speak words that bring healing, promoting reconciliation and restoration within our families.
Romans 14:19
Let us, therefore, make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
This verse encourages us to prioritize peace and mutual edification within our families. It reminds us to be intentional in our efforts to build up one another and create an environment that fosters harmony. By pursuing peace, we can overcome family conflicts and grow together in love and understanding.
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
This verse reminds us of our call to peace as members of the body of Christ. It encourages us to allow the peace of Christ to govern our hearts and relationships. By cultivating gratitude and embracing the peace that Christ offers, we can navigate family conflicts with grace, humility, and an attitude of thankfulness.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
This verse teaches us the importance of covering offenses with love within our families. It warns against repeating past mistakes or offenses, as this can drive a wedge between close family members. Instead, choosing love and forgiveness allows for reconciliation and the restoration of trust within family relationships.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
This verse describes the characteristics of heavenly wisdom, which can guide us in resolving conflicts within our families. It emphasizes the importance of purity, peace, consideration, humility, mercy, impartiality, and sincerity. By seeking wisdom from God, we can navigate family conflicts with grace and discernment.
Proverbs 21:19
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
This verse points out the negative consequences of constant quarreling and nagging within a family. It underscores the importance of fostering peace and harmony within marital relationships. Choosing love, patience, and understanding can help prevent conflicts and create a loving and supportive home environment.
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 highlights the priority of reconciliation in resolving family conflicts. It teaches us that our relationship with God is closely tied to our relationships with others. Before we bring our offerings or worship to God, we are encouraged to seek reconciliation with our family members, demonstrating the importance of restoring harmony within our families.
Proverbs 22:10
Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.
This verse acknowledges the presence of mockers and their negative impact on family relationships. It suggests that by removing those who incite strife and cultivate division, quarrels and insults can be brought to an end. Sometimes, addressing or distancing ourselves from individuals who consistently disrupt peace can bring resolution and healing within our families.
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 conversation between Peter and Jesus emphasizes the limitless nature of forgiveness within family relationships. It challenges us to extend forgiveness continually, even when conflicts arise repeatedly. By imitating Christ’s forgiveness towards us, we create opportunities for reconciliation and restoration within our families.
Proverbs 13:10
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
This verse draws a connection between pride, strife, and conflict within families. It highlights the importance of humility and receiving advice from others. By acknowledging our own shortcomings and seeking wisdom, we can effectively navigate family conflicts and foster healthy relationships.
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 self-reflection and humility when addressing family conflicts. It emphasizes the need to examine our own faults before pointing out the wrongdoing of others. By addressing our own shortcomings first, we can approach conflicts with empathy and understanding, creating an atmosphere conducive to resolution within our families.