Life situation
Bible verses about conflict
Last reviewed
The New Testament letters are, to a striking degree, documents about conflict management. They were written to communities that were arguing, and they say so.
The passages here concern disagreement, repair, restraint and honesty between people. Passages about warfare in the historical narratives are deliberately not included: they raise questions of interpretation that a topic page cannot handle responsibly.
If a conflict in your life involves abuse or you feel unsafe, please contact a support service rather than working from a verse list.
9 passages
Each shows its reference and translation, and links to the chapter it comes from.
“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother.
If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
23“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
1Where do wars and fightings amongst you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members? 2You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarrelling breaks out.
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honourable in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. 19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible British Edition, which is in the public domain. “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org.