Secular culture blends together a variety of views on conflict. Many people think of conflict as something that is inherently bad, unproductive, or dangerous. Those who hold this view will usually seek to avoid or escape from conflict whenever possible.
Others view conflict as a test of their strength, intellect, or righteousness. When faced with conflict, these people tend to become defensive or go on the attack with gossip, argument, litigation, or other forms of aggressive behavior (see a more detailed description in the Slippery Slope of Conflict).
Another common view is that conflict is inherently neutral. Wanting to avoid the appearance of casting moral judgments on others, people will shy away from evaluating behavior and motives and focus their efforts on solving a problem through improved communication and negotiation techniques.
The Bible agrees with some of these views but gives a much deeper and more hope-filled perspective on conflict. It teaches that some differences are natural and beneficial. Since God has created us as unique individuals, human beings will often have different opinions, convictions, desires, perspectives, and priorities. Many of these differences are not inherently right or wrong; they are simply the result of God-given diversity and personal preferences (see 1 Cor. 12:21-31). When handled properly, disagreements in these areas can stimulate productive dialogue, encourage creativity, promote helpful change, and generally make life more interesting.
But the Bible also teaches that some conflicts are neither neutral nor beneficial. Many disagreements are the direct result of sinful attitudes and behavior. As James 4:1-2 tells us, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. … ” When a conflict is the result of sinful desires or actions that are too serious to be overlooked, it will not be fully resolved until we honestly address the underlying behavioral and motivational issues, confess our sin, and seek to change by taking hold of the promises of forgiveness and transformation offered to us through the gospel of Christ.
The biblical view of conflict is beautifully summarized in 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, where the apostle Paul reminds us that every conflict is an opportunity to glorify God, to serve other people, and to grow to be more like Christ.
