Conflict is an inevitable part of the human experience. As long as sin exists in the world, there will be disagreement, opposition, and contention between people. The Bible has a lot to say about how Christians should handle conflict and strive for peace. Here are some key Bible passages about dealing with conflict and discord:
Romans 12:17-21 – Repay no one evil for evil
The apostle Paul urges Christians to not retaliate when someone treats them wrongly: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Christians are called to break the cycle of retaliation and extend grace instead.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers
In the Beatitudes, Jesus declared, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of peace through sowing righteousness, gentleness, patience, and compassion. True peacemakers reflect the character of God in how they handle conflict.
Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,” instructs Solomon. When tensions are high, angrily berating another person often escalates the conflict. But responding gently can diffuse anger and create an opening for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.
Matthew 18:15-17 – Go to your brother in private first
Jesus taught his disciples about resolving conflict within the church: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” The goal is restoration, so Christians should address issues privately first before making matters public.
James 1:19-20 – Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Approaching conflict with patience, thoughtfulness and self-control allows for more effective communication and problem-solving. Hasty, impulsive reactions often worsen disputes.
Proverbs 17:14 – To start a conflict is to release a flood
Solomon cautioned, “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” Conflict has a way of spinning out of control quickly. Believers should be wary of provoking unnecessary disputes and be quick to de-escalate rising tensions.
James 4:1-3 – Conflict is often caused by selfish desires
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.” Sinful cravings for earthly things over spiritual ones is at the root of much dissension among people, James explains.
Proverbs 26:20-21 – Gossip breeds strife
Solomon warns of the relationship between gossip and conflict: “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.” Gossip inflames tensions and breeds distrust. Believers must refrain from idle, negative speech about others.
1 Peter 3:8-9 – Be humble, sympathetic, brotherly, and courteous
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” Treating others with compassion, empathy and grace fosters peace, even in the face of hostility.
Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone
The author of Hebrews encouraged believers to “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Christians are responsible before God to do all they can to live at peace with others, without compromising their values and convictions.
Matthew 7:3-5 – Remove the log from your own eye first
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Approaching conflict with humility and self-awareness of one’s own flaws allows for more effective problem-solving.
Proverbs 10:12 – Love covers over offenses
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Choosing to let go of bitterness and extend forgiveness can help resolve feuds. Focusing on reconciliation reflects God’s merciful character.
Ephesians 4:26-27 – Do not let anger cause you to sin
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Righteous anger over injustice is understandable but must be properly channeled. Allowing anger to fester gives ground to the enemy to divide people.
Philippians 2:3-4 – In humility count others more significant than yourselves
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Approaching conflict with concern for others’ perspectives, rather than demanding one’s own way, allows for compromise.
Proverbs 3:30 – Do not contend with a man for no reason
“Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.” Pick battles carefully. Not every disagreement merits fighting over. Believers should prioritize unity whenever possible.
1 Corinthians 6:1-8 – Lawsuits between believers should be avoided
Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for lawsuits among believers that were being taken before unbelieving courts: “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?…but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another.” Christians should seek to resolve disputes within the church.
2 Timothy 2:22-26 – The Lord’s servant must gently instruct and correct opponents
“Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” Even in correcting false teaching, Christ’s ambassadors are to approach opponents with grace and patience.
Romans 14 – Accept other believers with whom you disagree
Paul urged the Roman church to accept one another despite disagreements over nonessential matters like diet and holy days: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions…Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls…Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Unity in Christ transcends secondary issues.
Matthew 5:23-24 – Seek reconciliation before worship
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Broken relationships hinder worship. Pursuing reconciliation should be a priority.
These Scriptures provide vital wisdom for how Christians should approach conflict and discord. With the guidance of biblical principles, believers can be peacemakers who demonstrate the love of Christ, point others to the gospel, and glorify God through how they respond to strife.