How should Christians respond when faced with internal conflict within the church? Setting the Scene in Judges 20 “From their cities the Benjamites came together to Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites.” (Judges 20:14) • The people involved are all Israelites—an internal family conflict that escalates into civil war. • The spark was unaddressed sin in Gibeah (Judges 19); instead of repentance, Benjamin rallies in stubborn self-defense. • The chapter showcases what happens when unity is prized above holiness, and when correction is refused. Core Principles Drawn from the Text • Sin that is tolerated eventually divides (1 Corinthians 5:6). • Refusing accountability hardens hearts (Hebrews 3:13). • Rallying to protect wrongdoers, rather than seeking truth, invites judgment (Proverbs 17:15). Lessons for Today’s Church 1. Guard the purity of the fellowship – “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.” (Galatians 5:9) – Internal peace can never be built on ignored sin. 2. Confront with a redemptive aim – “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately.” (Matthew 18:15) – Approach begins one-on-one, not in public or on social media. 3. Maintain humility and gentleness – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.” (Galatians 6:1) – Restoration, not humiliation, is the aim. 4. Preserve unity in truth, not at the expense of truth – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) – Biblical unity is anchored in shared obedience, not mere agreement to avoid conflict. 5. Obedience may require separation when repentance is refused – “Expel the wicked man from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) – Church discipline is painful but sometimes necessary for the health of the body. Practical Steps When Conflict Arises • Examine personal motives first (Psalm 139:23-24). • Go directly to the person involved. • Bring one or two witnesses if there is no change (Matthew 18:16). • Involve church leadership transparently. • Pray continually for soft hearts and clear wisdom (James 1:5). • If repentance comes, celebrate and restore fully (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). • If hardness persists, follow through with biblical discipline, always leaving the door open for return. Further Scriptural Anchors • Romans 12:18 — “Live at peace with everyone, if it is possible on your part.” • Proverbs 15:1 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” • 1 Peter 4:8 — “Love covers a multitude of sins,” yet it does not ignore them. Final Takeaways Internal conflict is inevitable whenever imperfect people share life together. Judges 20:14 warns of the danger of circling the wagons around sin instead of repenting. By valuing holiness, practicing humble confrontation, and submitting to God’s clear instructions, believers can turn potential civil wars into testimonies of grace, truth, and restored unity. |
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