“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Bible Verses About Discord In The Church
Understanding the Cause of Discord
We all know that conflict can arise even among the most devoted believers. The Bible teaches us about the human heart and our tendency to stray from what is peaceful and loving. Discord often stems from misunderstandings, jealousy, and pride. If we’re honest, we may see reflections of these struggles in our own experiences within church communities. To have a healthy church, we need to seek understanding and practice humility. Only by approaching each other with love and compassion can we hope to minimize discord in our church. The verses below remind us of the need to consider our actions and intentions in the body of Christ.
James 4:1
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Proverbs 13:10
“Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” – Proverbs 13:10
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” – Titus 3:9
The Importance of Unity
Unity is essential for the health of the church community. As followers of Christ, we are called to be one body with many parts, each valuable and important. When we prioritize unity, we create an environment where love can flourish. It is vital for us to intentionally build bonds with one another, set aside differences, and focus on the essential truths of our faith. The verses below provide encouragement to love one another and strive for unity in our church.
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
The Role of Love in Mitigating Discord
What can we use as a foundation when resolving conflict? Love is our strongest weapon against discord. We are commanded to love one another, and this love should guide our actions and words. Whether we face disagreements or misunderstandings within the church, love encourages forgiveness and understanding. It pushes us to see each other as Christ sees us, ultimately creating unity where discord may threaten to rise. The verses below affirm the profound need to rely on love in our relationships with fellow believers.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
1 Corinthians 13:1
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
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.” – Colossians 3:13
Seeking Resolution and Restoration
Conflicts will happen, and we must be prepared to seek resolution in a way that honors God and brings healing to relationships. We are encouraged to confront issues respectfully and restore one another gently. This process often requires humility, patience, and a willingness to listen. By approaching conflict with the intent to resolve rather than escalate, we reflect the heart of Christ in our dealings with fellow believers. The following scriptures guide us in how to seek restoration and peace.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
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.” – Matthew 18:15
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-25
The Dangers of Gossip and Slander
In our church communities, we must be vigilant against the destructive nature of gossip and slander. When we let these behaviors take root, they breed destruction and division among us. We should always strive to speak words that build each other up and encourage one another. It’s essential to remember that our words carry power, and we have a choice to speak life rather than death. The scriptures below serve as a reminder of the impact of our speech and the need to guard our tongues.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” – James 1:26
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Promoting Peace and Harmony
As we navigate our relationships within the church, promoting peace and harmony should be our goal. By intentionally working to create an atmosphere of love and respect, we can counteract the discord that may arise. Peace is a shared responsibility that calls us to actively engage in relationships that reflect the character of Christ. The verses below inspire us to be peacemakers in our communities and remind us of the joyful outcomes that follow.
Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” – Romans 14:19
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” – 1 Peter 3:11
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6
Final Thoughts
In our faith community, it’s essential for us to recognize the signs of discord and actively work towards resolution and unity. This requires us to be attentive to our actions and attitudes as we interact with each other. By understanding the causes of discord, valuing unity, expressing love, and resolving conflicts amicably, we set the standard for healthy relationships in the church. Let us commit to promoting peace and harmony, creating an environment where God’s love can flourish.
Let’s be diligent in our conversations and limit gossip and slander, ensuring that our words reflect Christ’s spirit of love. By working together, we can build a strong, united community that stands firm against discord. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out these Bible verses about unity in the church or explore Bible verses about gossip and slander. Together, we can make our church a beacon of hope and reconciliation!