Week Seven, 2026

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

There is a term that most clearly marks the world today. That term is conflict. It may describe big conflicts like the war between countries, or smaller ones like next-door neighbors disagreeing about a fence line. Look at the world around us: collapsing cultures, world chaos, and egotistical rulers. There is conflict in the workplace and in the home.

Conflict in the Bible covers everything from large-scale wars to family friction. Biblical teachings emphasize seeking peace, loving enemies, forgiveness, and overcoming evil with good. Key themes involve the ongoing struggle between righteousness and sin, and the call for believers to be peacemakers. We must also follow practical steps for resolving disagreements, such as the process found in Matthew 18.

The Bible teaches that conflict often stems from selfish desires, but it provides clear guidance for resolution. It emphasizes speaking truth in love, being quick to listen, and prioritizing reconciliation over winning arguments. Key principles include being slow to anger (James 1:19), forgiving freely (Ephesians 4:32), and seeking to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

There are spiritual conflicts, group conflicts, and conflicts within the family. They are internal and external. Conflicts have existed for as long as people have assembled together. The church is no exception; all too often, the wisdom of the world prevails. We live in a culture where pleasure is found in fulfilling one’s own desires. Pride and self-interest are often the root cause. We lust, and yet we do not have.

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. We put our needs above the needs of the community. Are lust and desire your gods? James exhorts us to submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:7–8).

The best medicine to avoid conflict is humility. It is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

Biblical Principles for Resolution:

Jesus handled conflict with grace, focusing on others’ needs—even those of His enemies (John 3:16). How about you?

Sometimes True Stories

Establish a daily time of prayer and be serious about it. Too many Christians utter a hasty “Lord, bless me!” while dashing to work in the morning. But true power is found in true prayer, and true prayer must become a serious habit in our lives. New habits are hard to make, but once made, they’re hard to break. Think through your schedule and begin to spend time in prayer each day, at a certain time and in a certain place. If you miss a day, don’t give up. Stick with it until it’s an unbreakable pattern. —David Jeremiah

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When we feel ourselves being pulled into wrong behavior, we must decide if we want to go along just to be cool or follow the ways of the Lord. We will never regret following a godly path. —Tony Ferguson

Quotes You Can Use

When you live to please God, you fulfill the purpose for your existence.

The wise understand that few people learn by having someone yell at them. They also understand that thoughtful words accomplish much, while harsh words accomplish little. If we truly desire to persuade people, pleasant words can be the best tool if they are used with compassion.

Don’t ever water down the Gospel. If the truth offends, then let it offend. People have been living their whole lives in offense to God. Let them be offended for a while. —John MacArthur

Fear is “what if” and faith is “even if.”

If you are a child of God, you will never be happy in sin. —Charles Spurgeon

Our homes should be sanctuaries for spiritual and personal development in settings of love and acceptance. —Ken Boa

What defines me is not my circumstances, but rather what I do with my circumstances.

You cannot be identified with Christ if you have not given your life to Him.

One of the worst things the devil did was to make people selfish.

We must learn to train ourselves in this world and, at the same time, in the kingdom of God.

Suffering is temporary, but glory is forever.

God uses adversity to conform us more to the image of His Son, so we will be ready to meet Him face to face. It can make us bitter or better.

There is no joy or peace apart from Jesus Christ.

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