“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12 CSB
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.” Proverbs 15:18 CSB
“A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28 CSB
“To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out.” Proverbs 17:24 CSB
“Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down.” Proverbs 26:20 CSB
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 CSB
The Cause Of Conflict
“Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” James 3:13-18 CSB
The Consequences Of Conflict
- It hinders my fellowship with God
- It hinders my prayers
- It hinders my happiness
The Cure For Conflict
- Step Up
“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12 CSB
“So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24 CSB
2. Own up
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 NASB (Proverbs 3:23)
“Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood that is in your own? Why do you say to your friend, ‘Let me take that piece of dust out of your eye’? Look at yourself first! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. You are a hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to get the dust out of your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5 ERV
3. Hush up
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.” Proverbs 11:12 NIV
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19 NIV
4. Grow up
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14 NLT
5. Bear up
“Love is patient…love bears all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 NIV
6. Speak up
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NIV
“…speak the truth in love…” Ephesians 4:15
7. Look up
“Do you know where your fights and arguments come from? They come from the selfish desires that make war inside you. You want things, but you don’t get them. So you kill and are jealous of others. But you still cannot get what you want. So you argue and fight. You don’t get what you want because you don’t ask God.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:1-2, 7 ERV/NIV