Conflict is an inevitable part of human life. In the Bible, conflict is seen as an opportunity for growth and transformation, and its teachings shed light on the subject matter. This offers wisdom on how to navigate and approach conflicting situations with a peaceful and positive mind frame.
What the Bible Says About Resolving Conflict
The Bible advises on the approach to resolving conflict. The foundation of biblical conflict resolution is based on understanding, forgiveness, and love. In the Book of Proverbs, it is emphasized that a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. This implies that gentle speech and patience are essential when dealing with disagreement. Furthermore, Ephesians teaches the value of speaking the truth in love – it emphasizes that truth should be expressed respectfully and lovingly when attempting to resolve any mishap.
Who the Bible Advises to Consult in Conflict
The Bible also provides guidance on involving third parties in the resolution of disputes. Matthew recounts a situation where, if a person sins against another and refuses to listen, the wronged party is advised to take one or two others along to help resolve the dispute. Thus, in tricky situations, the Bible suggests seeking the help of unbiased, neutral individuals to arbitrate or mediate the conflict. This allows for a balanced point of view and may aid in a fair and just resolution.
Why Forgive in the Face of Conflict
Forgiveness plays a significant role in resolving conflict, according to the Bible. Throughout the New Testament, the concept of forgiveness has been stressed repeatedly. The Book of Matthew recounts Jesus emphasizing the need for forgiveness, not just once but seventy times seven. This underscores the importance of forgiveness as it promotes reconciliation, preventing further discord and encouraging lasting peace.
When to Seek Reconciliation in Conflict
The Bible encourages individuals to seek reconciliation promptly whenever conflict arises. Matthew stresses the need to first reconcile with your brother or sister before offering your gift at the altar, suggesting that peaceful relationships should be prioritized over religious rituals. The call for immediate resolution indicates that left unresolved, conflict can fester and lead to increased tension and division. Therefore, peace and reconciliation should be pursued swiftly when issues arise.
Where to Find Peace Amidst Conflict
In the midst of conflict, the Bible offers solace and peace. The Book of Philippians advises on the blessings of rejoicing in the Lord always and allowing the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to guard your hearts and your minds. It is a vivid reminder to focus on positives even in the face of disagreement and encourages reliance on the tranquility that comes from God during times of conflict.
Below is our full list of bible verses on conflict (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Conflict
Proverbs 15:1
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
Matthew 18:15-17
“15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Resolving Conflict Gossip
James 4:1-2
“1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”
Related Themes: Lust Complaining Arguing
Ephesians 4:26
“26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
Related Themes: Bitterness Frustration Anger Letting Go
Matthew 5:9
“9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Related Themes: Peace Children Resolving Conflict Police Arguing
Matthew 5:38-39
“38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Related Themes: Revenge Trespassing Bullying Justice Retribution
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”
Matthew 18:15
“15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Resolving Conflict Gossip
James 1:19
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Colossians 3:13
“13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Bitterness Forgiveness Criticism Resolving Conflict
Matthew 5:24
“24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
Related Themes: Resolving Conflict Reconciliation
Romans 12:17-21
“17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Revenge Arguing Persecution Reputation
Proverbs 15:18
“18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
Related Themes: Patience Frustration Arguing Bitterness Anger
Matthew 18:16
“16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.”
Related Themes: Gossip Trespassing Resolving Conflict
Romans 12:18
“18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Ephesians 4:31
“31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
Related Themes: Bitterness Letting Go Gossip Criticism
Luke 17:3
“3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Repentance Criticism Bitterness
Revelation 1:1
“1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:”
Related Themes: Earth Trespassing Omnipotence Criticism Gold
Leviticus 19:18
“18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Bullying Revenge Bitterness Love Morality
Proverbs 16:28
“28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Friendship Strife Morals
1 Corinthians 13:4
“4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”
Matthew 5:23-24
“23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Bitterness Arguing Forgiveness Reconciliation
James 1:19-20
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Proverbs 16:7
“7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Peace Enemies Never Give Up Friendship
Philippians 2:4
“4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Related Themes: Selfishness Selflessness Dating Serving Others Sacrifice
Proverbs 28:25
“25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.”
Related Themes: Pride Greed Money Finances Prosperity
Ephesians 4:29
“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Complaining Judging Others Cursing
Ecclesiastes 3:8
“8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
Matthew 5:25-26
“25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.”
Related Themes: Resolving Conflict
Luke 17:3-4
“3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Repentance Criticism Bitterness
