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Biblical Encouragement for Church Conflict and Safety

Biblical Foundations for Church Conflict and Safety

The Bible provides guidance on navigating conflict within the church and ensuring the safety of its members. A foundational text is Psalm 35:2, which urges believers to "take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help" [3]. This verse illustrates the biblical theme of seeking divine protection and support in times of adversity.

Encouragement in Affliction

The Psalms offer numerous expressions of trust in God's presence and comfort during affliction. For example, Psalm 46:5,7 affirms that "God is with her" and "God will help her" [1]. The biblical narrative encourages believers to find solace in God's character and past actions. Isaiah 43:2 promises that God will be "with you" when you pass through troubles, and Christ's presence is assured in John 14:18 [1]. The apostle Paul exhorts believers to imitate Christ's endurance in the face of suffering (Hebrews 12:1-3) [1].

Conflict and Strife

The Bible acknowledges that strife can arise within the church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:11, where Paul addresses divisions among believers [2]. The causes of strife are varied, including hatred, pride, wrath, and a contentious disposition (Proverbs 10:12; 13:10; 15:18) [2]. James 4:1 attributes strife to lusts that war within individuals. To mitigate these issues, believers are encouraged to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and pray for those who persecute them (Acts 7:60) [4].

Peace and Unity

Colossians 3:15 instructs believers to "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" [5]. This peace is not merely an internal state but is also linked to the unity of the body of Christ. The pursuit of peace is a recurring theme, with Ecclesiastes 3:8 noting that there is "a time for war, and a time for peace." John Calvin interprets the Lord's role in giving peace as encompassing both a conscience at peace with God and church peace, free from disorderly persons [8].

Safety and Protection

The Bible assures believers of God's protection. Psalm 34:20 states that "the Lord preserves the faithful" [1]. Jesus Christ is described as a refuge and strength, a helper in times of trouble (Psalm 27:5,6; Isaiah 25:4) [1]. The angelic protection afforded to believers is also highlighted, with Psalm 91:11 and 34:8 referencing God's angels keeping watch over those who fear Him [10].

Responding to Enemies and Persecutors

Believers are taught to respond to enemies with kindness and prayer rather than revenge. Romans 12:14 instructs believers to "bless those who persecute you" [6]. Proverbs 25:21 advises showing kindness to enemies, which can lead to their repentance. The example of Christ, who prayed for His persecutors (Luke 23:34), is a model for Christian behavior [4].

Historical and Theological Perspectives

Throughout history, theologians have grappled with the implications of these biblical teachings. John Calvin, for instance, emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promise to preserve His people, citing examples from the history of the Israelites and the early Christian church [7, 9]. The early church fathers, such as Clement and Ignatius, also stressed the importance of unity within the church, warning against divisions and exhorting believers to heed their spiritual leaders [11].

Conclusion

The biblical encouragement for church conflict and safety is rooted in the understanding of God's character as a refuge, comforter, and preserver of His people. Believers are called to navigate conflicts with a commitment to peace, unity, and kindness, even towards enemies. The historical and theological interpretations of these themes underscore the enduring relevance of biblical teachings for the life of the church.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
  3. Psalms “Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. -- Psalms 35:2”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Enemies — Christ prayed for his -- Lu 23:34. The lives of, to be spared -- 1Sa 24:10; 2Sa 16:10,11. The goods of, to be taken care of -- Ex 23:4,5. Should be Loved. -- Mt 5:44. Prayed for. -- Ac 7:60. Assisted. -- Pr 25:21; Ro 12:20. Overcome by kindness. -- 1Sa 26:21. Rejoice not at the misfortunes of -- Job 31:29. Rejoice not at the failings of -- Pr 24:17. Desire not the death of -- 1Ki 3:11. Curse them not -- Job 31:30. Be affectionately concerned for -- Ps 35:13. The friendship of, deceitful -- 2Sa 20:9,10; Pr 26:26; 27:6; Mt 26:48,49. God defends against -- Ps ”
  5. Colossians “Colossians 3:15 (BSB) — Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Revenge — Forbidden by our Lord -- Le 19:18; Pr 24:17,29; Mt 5:39-41; Ro 12:17,19; 1Th 5:15; 1Pe 3:9. Christ an example of forbearing -- Isa 53:7; 1Pe 2:23. Rebuked by Christ -- Lu 9:54,55. Inconsistent with Christian spirit -- Lu 9:55. Proceeds from a spiteful heart -- Eze 25:15. Instead of taking, we should Trust in God. -- Pr 20:22; Ro 12:16. Exhibit love. -- Le 19:18; Lu 6:35. Give place to wrath. -- Ro 12:19. Exercise forbearance. -- Mt 5:38-41. Bless. -- Ro 12:14. Overcome others by kindness. -- Pr 25:21,22; Ro 12:20. Keep others from taking -- 1Sa 24:10; 25:24”
  7. CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 42: afflict the seed of David, but not for ever,” ( 1 Kings 11:39 ). Some time afterwards it was said, “Nevertheless, for David’s sake did the Lord his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem,” ( 1 Kings 15:4 ). And when matters were bordering on destruction, it was again said, “Yet the Lord would 295 not destroy Judah for David his servant’s sake, as he had promised to give him alway a light, and to his children,” ( 2 Kings 8:19 ). The sum of the whole comes to this—David, all others b”
  8. 2 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Thessalonians 3:16: Now the Lord of peace himself,.... The Prince of peace, who is peaceable himself, and the author of peace in all his churches, and who requires peace, calls for it, and encourages it: give you peace always by all means; both a conscience peace, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, and faith in them, which passes all understanding, and which, when he gives, none can take away; and a church peace, being freed from all such disorderly persons and their abettors, the disturbers of it: and indeed, the way to have true peace and prosperity i”
  9. CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 79: they have signs of calling similar to those given to the elect; but I do not at all admit that they have that sure confirmation of election which I desire believers to seek from the word of the gospel. Wherefore, let not examples of this kind move us away from tranquil confidence in the promise of the Lord, when he declares that all by whom he is received in true faith have been given him by the Father, and that none of them, while he is their Guardian and Shepherd, will perish ( John 3:16 ; 6:39). Of Judas we shall shortly speak (”
  10. CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 30: safety, how they undertake our defence, direct our path, and take heed that no evil befall us. There are whole passages which relate, in the first instance, to Christ, the Head of the Church, and after him to all believers. “He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Again, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” 110 110 Ps. 91:11 ; 34:8; Gen. 16:9 ; 24:7; 48:16; Ex. 14:19 , ”
  11. Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 1: Clement, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus — CHAP. VII.--I HAVE EXHORTED YOU TO UNITY.: For though some would nave deceived me according to the flesh, yet the Spirit, as being from God, is not deceived. For it knows both whence it comes and whither it goes,(10) and detects the secrets [of the heart]. For, when I was among you, I cried, I spoke with a loud voice: Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. Now, some suspected me of having spoken thus, as knowing beforehand the division caused by some among you.(11) But He is my witness, for”
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