Conflict is inevitable. Even in the friendliest, most loving churches, there is going to come a time when Sister Honda parks in Brother Short Temper’s parking spot. And when that happens, expect there to be an icy tension in the room.
But whether it’s something as small and insignificant as that, or something much larger like a doctrinal error or church discipline, conflict between members is inevitable, and sometimes, unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean it has to be permanent. Taking a few seconds to approach conflict the right way can result in the salvation of at least one soul, and a church that coexists in simple harmony.
Below are 25 verses that illustrate this thought, but they’re not pulled out at random. Notice the progression from discord to peace; let it guide your relationships as you seek to mend what’s been broken.
“Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.”
Acts 15:37
“What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?”
James 4:1
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”
Matthew 5:22
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
Proverbs 17:14
So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.”
“So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers.”
Genesis 13:8
“An arrogant man stirs up strife,
Proverbs 28:25
But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.”
“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,
Proverbs 14:19
but he who restrains his lips is wise.”
“The first to plead his case seems right,
Proverbs 18:17
until another comes and examines him.”
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
Proverbs 15:18
But the slow to anger calms a dispute.”
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
Proverbs 15:1
But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
“A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.”
Proverbs 18:19
“Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?”
1 Corinthians 6:1-2
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
John 7:24
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
Romans 12:18
“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
Proverbs 16:7
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Leviticus 19:18
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
1 Corinthians 13:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
Galatians 6:1
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”
Galatians 5:26
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Philippians 2:3
“And if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Luke 17:4
“For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.”
Romans 14:15
Last modified: September 9, 2019“Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.”
2 Timothy 4:11