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What Does the Bible Say About Walking Away From Conflict? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Walking Away From Conflict?

Introduction

Conflict is a natural part of human relationships, and it can occur in many forms, including disagreements, misunderstandings, and even heated arguments. While addressing conflict is an important part of maintaining healthy relationships, it is equally important to handle it in a way that is consistent with our faith.

As Christians, we are called to demonstrate love, humility, and grace, even in the midst of difficult situations.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about walking away from conflict. We will examine the biblical teachings that encourage us to seek peaceful solutions, be quick to listen and slow to speak, and forgive others.

We will also discuss the benefits of walking away from conflict, including the preservation of relationships and personal growth.

Furthermore, we will discuss practical steps that we can take to walk away from conflict, such as practicing active listening, compromising, and praying for guidance and wisdom.

By following these teachings and steps, we can handle conflict in a way that glorifies God and demonstrates the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown to us.

conflict in the Bible

The Bible Teaches Us to Avoid Quarrels

Proverbs 17:14 (NKJV) says, “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts.” This verse tells us that it is important to avoid quarrels in the first place.

Once a quarrel has begun, it can be difficult to stop, and it can quickly escalate into something much worse. So, we must make an effort to avoid quarrels before they start.

Similarly, Proverbs 20:3 (NKJV) says, “It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel.” This verse tells us that it takes more strength and wisdom to walk away from a conflict than it does to start one.

Walking away from a conflict shows that we are willing to put the needs of others ahead of our own, and it demonstrates the love and humility that we are called to exhibit as Christians.

We Should Seek Peaceful Solutions

In Romans 12:18 (NKJV), Paul writes, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” This verse tells us that we should do everything we can to live peacefully with others. This includes making an effort to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and respectful manner.

In Matthew 5:9 (NKJV), Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” This verse tells us that we are blessed when we work to make peace with others. Being a peacemaker means that we are actively seeking to resolve conflicts in a way that is consistent with our faith and values.

However, walking away from conflict can be challenging. In many cases, our natural instincts may be to defend ourselves, to argue back, or to try to prove our point. Walking away from conflict can also be difficult when we feel that we have been wronged or mistreated.

We may feel that we have to defend ourselves or set the record straight, or we may feel that the other person needs to be held accountable for their actions.

But as Christians, we are called to handle conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith, even if it is difficult or uncomfortable. This means that we must be willing to put the needs of others ahead of our own and to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts, even if it means walking away.

The Benefits of Walking Away From Conflict

While walking away from conflict can be challenging, there are many benefits to handling conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith. When we choose to walk away from conflict, we are demonstrating humility, love, and grace.

Walking away from conflict also helps to preserve relationships. When we choose to avoid quarrels and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts, we are able to maintain our relationships with others, even if we disagree on certain issues.

Additionally, walking away from conflict can help us to grow as individuals. When we choose to handle conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith, we are demonstrating the character traits that God desires for us. We are becoming more patient, more kind, and more compassionate.

When Walking Away From Conflict Isn’t an Option

While walking away from conflict is generally the best option, there may be times when it is not possible or appropriate to do so. For example, if someone is in danger, or if someone is being mistreated, it may be necessary to intervene and try to resolve the conflict.

In these cases, it is important to handle the conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith. We should still seek peaceful solutions, and we should still be quick to listen and slow to speak. However, we may need to take a more active role in resolving the conflict.

We Should Be Quick to Listen and Slow to Speak

James 1:19 (NKJV) says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

This verse tells us that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. When we are in a conflict with others, it can be easy to become defensive and start speaking before we have fully understood the other person’s perspective.

However, by being quick to listen and slow to speak, we can better understand the other person’s point of view, which can help us to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

We Should Forgive Others

In Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV), Jesus says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

This verse tells us that forgiveness is essential to our Christian faith. When we forgive others, we are demonstrating the same love and mercy that God has shown to us.

Similarly, Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) says, “bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” This verse tells us that we should bear with one another and forgive one another, just as Christ forgave us.

By doing so, we are demonstrating the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown to us.

Handling Conflict in a Way That Glorifies God

As Christians, our ultimate goal is to glorify God in everything we do, including how we handle conflict. The Bible teaches us that we should be slow to anger, quick to listen, and seek peaceful solutions. It also teaches us that we should forgive others, even if it is difficult.

When we handle conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith, we are demonstrating the love, humility, and grace that God desires for us. We are also showing the world what it means to be a Christian and how we should live our lives.

Practical Steps for Walking Away From Conflict

Walking away from conflict can be challenging, but there are practical steps that we can take to make it easier. Here are some tips:

  1. Take a step back and evaluate the situation. Ask yourself whether it is worth getting into a conflict with the other person.
  2. Practice active listening. Try to understand the other person’s perspective before speaking your mind.
  3. Take a deep breath and count to ten before responding. This can help you to remain calm and composed.
  4. Be willing to compromise. Sometimes, it is necessary to give a little to reach a peaceful resolution.
  5. Remember that walking away from conflict does not mean that you are weak. It takes strength and courage to walk away from a conflict.
  6. Pray for guidance and wisdom. Ask God to help you handle the conflict in a way that is consistent with your faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, walking away from conflict is an important aspect of handling conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith. The Bible teaches us to avoid quarrels, seek peaceful solutions, be quick to listen and slow to speak, and forgive others.

Walking away from conflict demonstrates humility, love, and grace, and helps to preserve relationships while also allowing us to grow as individuals.

While walking away from conflict can be challenging, it is important to remember that it is a sign of strength and wisdom. It takes courage to put the needs of others ahead of our own and seek peaceful solutions to conflicts.

By following the biblical teachings on conflict resolution, we can handle conflict in a way that is consistent with our faith and honors God.

Finally, we must remember to pray for guidance and wisdom in handling conflicts. God can give us the strength, courage, and wisdom we need to handle even the most challenging conflicts with grace and love.

Let us always seek His guidance in our interactions with others, and strive to handle conflict in a way that glorifies Him and demonstrates His love to the world.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.