“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” – James 4:1
Bible Verses About Conflict
Genesis 13:7 – Conflicts can arise between people, even among those close to each other, as seen with Lot and Abram.
“And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time, the Canaanites and Perizzites were dwelling in the land.” – Genesis 13:7
James 1:19 – Listening is key in resolving conflicts peacefully.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” – James 1:19
Matthew 5:9 – Being a peacemaker is blessed and admired in God’s eyes.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle response can diffuse conflict effectively.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:3 – Unity and peace should be our goal in all relationships.
“Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Romans 12:18 – Striving for peace with everyone is encouraged.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18
Proverbs 17:14 – Sometimes, it’s best to stop conflict before it escalates.
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
Matthew 18:15 – There’s a biblical way to handle conflict with others.
“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.” – Matthew 18:15
Philippians 2:3 – Humility plays a vital role in resolving disputes.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Luke 6:31 – Treat others how you wish to be treated to avoid conflict.
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” – Luke 6:31
Colossians 3:13 – Forgiveness is crucial in overcoming conflicts.
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
1 Corinthians 1:10 – Unity among believers is essential for harmony.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Proverbs 20:3 – It’s honorable to keep away from quarrels.
“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” – Proverbs 20:3
Romans 14:19 – Building others up is better than encouraging strife.
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19
Proverbs 18:19 – Broken relationships can be harder to mend than they seem.
“A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” – Proverbs 18:19
1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay evil for evil if you want to see a blessing.
“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.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Matthew 5:24 – Addressing conflict is crucial even in worship.
“Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:24
Proverbs 25:8 – Don’t rush to court without understanding the situation.
“Do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?” – Proverbs 25:8
Micah 6:8 – Seek justice and love kindness in conflicts.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let go of bitterness and be kind.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Galatians 5:15 – Avoid destructive behavior among members of the community.
“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” – Galatians 5:15
Matthew 7:3-5 – Address your own faults before judging others.
“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?” – Matthew 7:3-5
1 Thessalonians 5:13 – Live in peace with one another as our ultimate goal.
“And to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:13
Psalm 34:14 – Pursue peace actively and intentionally.
“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14
John 16:33 – Jesus reminds us that in the world we’ll face troubles, but He has overcome.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Colossians 1:20 – Through Jesus, we find peace through His blood on the cross.
“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” – Colossians 1:20
Romans 12:1 – Present your body as a living sacrifice, including in how we handle conflict.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 6:7 – It is a defeat to take disputes to the secular courts.
“To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?” – 1 Corinthians 6:7
Final Thoughts
Throughout these verses, we can see how important it is to strive for peace in our lives. Conflict is often unavoidable, but how we respond is crucial. From seeking forgiveness to being a peacemaker, every step we take is a chance to reflect God’s love. When we face disagreements, let’s always remember the call to act in kindness and empathy. Our actions can build bridges rather than walls.
If you’re looking for more guidance on various topics, there are so many insightful resources available. For example, explore the importance of communication in resolving conflicts, or delve into ways to encourage yourself during tough times.
May the peace of God be with you always as you navigate through life’s conflicts.