What other Scriptures support resolving disputes among believers internally? The Call in 1 Corinthians 6:1 “Does any one of you, when he has a grievance against another, dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?” Paul’s opening question sets the tone: believers should first look to one another and to church leadership, not secular courts, for settling personal grievances. Jesus’ Pattern of Reconciliation (Matthew 18) • Matthew 18:15-17 lays out a clear, step-by-step approach: – v. 15 “Go and confront him privately.” – v. 16 “Take one or two others along.” – v. 17 “If he refuses to listen… tell it to the church.” • Christ highlights progressive, family-style accountability rather than public litigation. • The goal is restoration, not retaliation. The Apostles Putting It into Practice (Acts 6:1-7) • A dispute over food distribution threatens unity. • The Twelve gather “all the disciples” (v. 2) and appoint Spirit-filled men to resolve the matter. • Conflict is handled internally, preserving witness and leading to continued growth (v. 7). Paul’s Ongoing Counsel to Churches • Galatians 6:1-2 — “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness… Carry one another’s burdens.” • Ephesians 4:2-3 — “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • Philippians 4:2-3 — Paul asks the church to mediate between Euodia and Syntyche, enlisting a “true yoke-fellow” rather than outside authorities. • 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 — “Is it not those inside you are to judge? God will judge those outside.” Internal accountability is assumed. Wisdom from Proverbs • Proverbs 17:14 — “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” • Proverbs 18:17 — “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” • Proverbs 19:11 — “A man’s insight gives him patience, and it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” These verses encourage patience, private dialogue, and community discernment rather than public legal fights. Heart Attitudes that Enable Peace • Colossians 3:12-15 — “Put on… compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” • James 3:17-18 — “The wisdom from above is… peace-loving… full of mercy… Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.” • 1 Peter 4:8 — “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Summing It Up Scripture consistently directs believers to keep disputes inside the family of faith, using Spirit-led leaders and Christ-like love to restore unity. The church is called to reflect God’s justice and mercy, proving before a watching world that the gospel truly reconciles people to God—and to one another. |
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