Christian Conflict Resolution
More than two-thirds of the US population are followers of the Christian faith or one of its subgroups (Evangelical, Protestant, Methodist, etc.). Some people find it comforting to work through conflicts while also relying on the teachings of Jesus and the Bible — or really any other religious denomination.
So what does the Bible say about conflict resolution? There are a great number of biblical passages that discuss resolving conflict in a peaceful and God-like manner without resorting to anger or violence.
Biblical Teachings on Resolving Conflict
Unsurprisingly, the Bible offers much of the same advice when it comes to conflict resolution as contemporary arbitrators, mediators, and lawyers. The medium might be conveyed slightly differently but the core advice remains the same. See below for the advice and corresponding Bible verse(s).
1. Don’t get angry when arguing.
- “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel” (Proverbs 15:18).
- “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9).
2. Admit when you’re wrong.
- “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17).
3. Don’t argue over trivialities.
- “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” (Proverbs 20:3).
- “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23).
4. Think before you speak.
- “The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking” (Proverbs 15:28).
5. Listen to the other person’s side of the argument.
- “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13).
6. Seek to mend relationships.
- “So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another” (Romans 14:19).
- “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
- “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
7. Be open to new ideas.
- “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
- “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up” (1 Corinthians 14:26).
