Our lives are shaped by conflict: we fight with our families and friends, we struggle to get along with difficult coworkers, and we feel the strain of division and disagreement in our churches. Some enjoy conflict and others try to avoid it at all costs. What are some Biblical ways to address inevitable conflict in our lives? Let’s discover together what it means to be faithful at home, work, and church with conflict.

Tension among family isn’t uncommon. Even Jesus experienced tension. The peace of Christ and the word of Christ gives us a place to root ourselves.

Matthew 5:21-24 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

1 Corinthians 10:23-25; 31-33 (ESV)
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience.
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.