While it should never be the case, even Christians have dealt with conflict since nearly the beginning of the Lord’s church. We should expect to have disagreements with those who do not share our faith in God, and we should always handle those moments with love, kindness, and respect, but it is far less than God’s ideal for Christians to have conflict with other Christians.
When disagreements between Christians occur, we must always desire to resolve the conflict. In Philippians 4:2, Paul “urge[s]” two women in the church to “live in harmony.” We do not know the specifics of their disagreement, who was right and wrong, but we know that “harmony” was the only acceptable solution.
When disagreements between Christians occur, we must handle them according to God’s word. Paul instructed Timothy, “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, patient when wronged…with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Timothy 2:24). Christians do not have the option of ignoring opposition, holding grudges, lobbying their side through sinful gossip, or fighting back in anger. God’s word and His perfect instructions must always be considered and followed.
When disagreements occur, we must be willing to acknowledge our part. If we cause conflict, we must be willing to confess our error. Alternatively, if we are the wronged or offended party, we must be willing to forgive and seek peace.
Because conflict and disagreement among Christians are divisive, sinful, and
unacceptable to God, they must not be acceptable to us.
Matt Langfield