Resolving Conflict God’s Way

“If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
— Matthew 18:15–17


Jesus gives clear, practical guidance for handling conflict within the body of Christ. The first step is direct, private conversation—approaching the person with the goal of restoration, not humiliation. Too often, we reverse this order, speaking to others before we speak to the one involved, which can breed gossip, suspicion, and deeper division. If private conversation fails, Jesus advises involving a small, trusted group, and finally, if necessary, the wider church community. Even the final step is not about punishment but about clarity—recognizing that fellowship has been broken and continuing to seek the person’s repentance and restoration.

Resolving conflict God’s way demands humility and courage. It requires that we value reconciliation over reputation and truth spoken in love over silent resentment. When handled biblically, conflict becomes an opportunity for grace to triumph, for trust to be rebuilt, and for Christ’s peace to reign. It calls us to exchange defensiveness for compassion, accusation for understanding, and distance for dialogue. Every step taken toward restoration echoes the ministry of Jesus, who came not to condemn but to reconcile.

How do you usually respond when wronged—by avoiding, confronting harshly, or seeking understanding and restoration? What fears or barriers make it difficult for you to follow Jesus’ model for addressing conflict directly? How can viewing conflict as an opportunity for grace change the way you approach difficult relationships?

Today, if there is a relationship in tension, pray about taking the first step toward biblical reconciliation. Approach with a listening heart, ready to forgive and restore, remembering that Jesus calls us to be agents of peace, even when the process is uncomfortable.


Lord Jesus, 

Thank You for showing me the way to handle conflict with grace and truth. Give me the humility to approach others directly and the courage to seek restoration rather than revenge. Let my actions in moments of conflict reflect Your heart for unity. 

In Your name I pray. Amen.

-

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