What does the Bible say about resolving conflicts?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible calls believers to pursue peace through humble, truthful, and forgiving reconciliation, trusting God to govern both their hearts and outcomes. Jesus teaches private, gracious confrontation when a brother sins, with wise involvement of others and the church if needed (Matthew 18:15-17). He urges prompt reconciliation rather than worshiping while clinging to unresolved offense (Matthew 5:23-24). Christians are to forgive as the Lord has forgiven them (Colossians 3:13), refuse anger’s foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27), love enemies (Luke 6:27), and answer harsh words gently (Proverbs 15:1). Peace-making does not deny sin; it seeks repentance, restoration, and the honor of Christ.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 18:15-17
[15] "If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. [16] But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
- Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called children of God.
- Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
- Matthew 18:15
"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
- Matthew 5:24
leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
- Matthew 18:16
But if he doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
- Matthew 5:23-24
[23] "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
- Ephesians 4:26-27
[26] "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] neither give place to the devil.
- Luke 6:27
"But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
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