Conflict

In times of conflict, Jesus calls us to seek peace through love, humility, and private restoration—not public criticism or division.

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you … If he refuses … tell it to the church.”—Matthew 18:15–17 NASB

What happens when Christians disagree or come into conflict with each other? Many resort to gossip. Others make negative statements to friends or even to the media. Some send out critical letters or emails.

While it may be common to act in these ways, Christians are to obey the clear guidelines given by Jesus Himself. If we have disagreements or disputes with other Christians, we are to go to the one who has offended us “in private.” There, one-on-one, we are to discuss the conflict. Only if the problem cannot be resolved should we bring it up to others, continuing the prescribed process of trying to resolve the issue.

When we have conflicts, we need to show the love of Christ, remembering that anyone “who does not love his brother” is not of God (1 John 3:10). As the Bible teaches, we are to seek to maintain unity, to desire what is best for the body of Christ and not us personally, to heal wounds, and to pray with and for others.

Today, don’t think like the world or give in to the pressure to gossip, backbite, or criticize. Follow the command of Jesus to love one another (John 13:34–35). Be “diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Seek to resolve differences in private. Pray for those you have conflicts with. Show the love of Christ in every situation.

Reflection Question: Do you handle conflict the way Jesus taught—or the way the world does?