How to Handle Family Conflict Biblically: 10 Ideal Steps

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The family is one of the greatest and most important institutions that God created, and it was designed to be a body where love, understanding, healthy interaction, patience and all other good virtues should thrive. 

However, life’s events can get in the way of this, paving the way for conflicts among family members. In this article, you will learn how to handle family conflict biblically.

What does family conflict mean?

Family conflict refers to the disputes and disagreements that occur within a family. These conflicts might involve differences in beliefs, behaviors, values, and opinions. 

Family conflicts are not of the same degree, as they vary from major to minor ones. It is important to mention that various issues, including finances, parenting style, lack of communication, etc. can trigger family conflicts. 

To learn more about family conflicts and how to resolve them amicably, check this insightful study by Eucharia Aye and other authors. The study is titled Family Conflict and Managing Strategies.

Why is it necessary to handle family conflict biblically?

One of the reasons it is important to handle family conflict biblically is that the Bible does not permit us to let conflict take the place of peace and love in our lives. 

The presence of conflict births harmful consequences, which can destroy the relationship dynamics in the family. Also, handling family conflict biblically is a way to honor God’s commandment because the Bible instructs us to forgive, seek peace, and love one another.

10 ways to handle family conflict biblically

Family conflict is inevitable because of differences in values and perspectives, emotional dynamics, and many other factors. If you’re a Christian family facing regular conflicts, here are some steps on how to handle family conflict biblically.

1. Acknowledge that conflicts are normal

When it comes to conflicts in the family, one of the things to remember is that they are normal. Conflicts are considered healthy, and they are sometimes beneficial. 

Families that resolve conflicts healthily will likely become stronger and more loving toward one another. Accepting the reality that families may experience dysfunction is a primary step in conflict resolution.

2. Love the Lord

Another way how to handle family conflict biblically is ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to loving the Lord. 

If some family members do not love the Lord, it may be difficult for them to understand the true meaning of Love as the Bible proposes. When everyone in the family loves the Lord, solving conflicts becomes easier. 

Learn more about how faith interacts with family dynamics in this interesting study by Anna Kasielska Trojan. 

3. Be calm

The Bible teaches how to calm down and not react because you are angry. When you are upset, you’ll likely make decisions that will not end well. Staying calm keeps you in charge of your emotions, making conflict resolution easier because you practice self-control.

4. Watch what you say

Another way how to handle family conflict biblically is to control the words you speak. It is important to mention that you cannot take back your words. Those words might affect the recipient in different ways. 

As per the families in the Bible, it is advised to use our words to edify people instead of tearing them down. Families can also check out bible verses for family conflict to help them watch what they say.

5. Reference the Bible for a solution

It is interesting to mention that many bible verses about family conflict can help the family to resolve conflicts easily. When you make the Bible your standard concerning all issues, everyone will be on the same page. 

6. Learn to forgive

On how to handle family conflict biblically, one of the steps to take is learning to forgive. The Bible is replete with many texts that encourage us to forgive one another as Christ forgave us. 

Bearing this instruction in mind, it suggests that we should not hold grudges with one another but show compassion instead. 

When we forgive like Christ, it means that we try to forget about the issue and love them as Christ loved us. Forgiveness also includes praying for them and wishing them the best. 

Watch this video to learn how to forgive someone who has hurt you deeply:

7. Learn to listen

Knowing how to listen is another great way how to handle family conflict biblically. The Bible advises us to listen and not be fast to speak. 

Proper listening skills are a great communication tool that helps with family conflict resolution. Sometimes, conflict may arise because people are not patient enough to listen. Give everyone a chance to speak and listen properly to pick out the nuances in their words. 

8. Pray together as a family

To learn how to handle family conflict biblically, imbibe the act of praying together as a family. Praying together helps to strengthen the spiritual and emotional bonds between one another. It provides the perfect opportunity for intimate and honest conversations. 

Prayer also presents the privilege of seeking reconciliation and guidance when faced with turbulent conflicts. 

9. Learn to honor one another

The Bible encourages us to honor one another, and it is also a proficient way how to handle family conflict biblically. Honoring one another helps to foster love and unity, thereby creating an environment where respect, love, and togetherness thrive. 

A good example of families in the bible that handled conflict through honor is the prodigal son and his father. When the prodigal son realized his wrong ways, he returned home, honored his father, and requested forgiveness. 

10. Seek Godly counseling

When some conflicts seem to be getting out of hand, seeking Godly counseling is a great way how to handle family conflict biblically. Godly counseling provides spiritual guidance and support, helping couples to navigate challenging times. 

Godly counselors also provide wisdom from the teachings of the Bible. It is also interesting to note that Godly counselors also provide families with relevant bible verses on resolving conflict. 

Commonly asked questions

Here are some commonly considered queries on the topic of handling conflicts within the family the biblical way. Have a read.

• What if the other person doesn’t want to listen?

One of the most challenging things to face on how to handle family conflict biblically is when the other person is not willing to listen. To tackle this problem, you can employ some strategies like staying respectful and calm, asking open-ended questions, seeking common ground, and considering mediation.

• What if the conflict is too big to handle on your own?

If a conflict is too big to handle, a good way how to handle family conflict biblically is to seek professional assistance. You can consider options like family counseling, mediation, couples counseling, conflict resolution training, and religious or spiritual leaders.

• What does the Bible mention about conflict?

The Bible’s teachings on conflict highlight the essence of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility, and willingness to let peace reign. The Bible encourages believers to seek conflict resolution in a way that reflects God’s love and supreme righteousness. 

• What are the various types of family conflict?

Conflicts are a natural aspect of family life and may occur in various forms. Some of the common types of family conflicts include parent-child conflicts, communication issues, sibling rivalry, couples conflicts, extended family conflicts, health-related conflicts, and inheritance and estate conflicts.

• How to prevent family conflict?

Some of the family conflicts in the bible were solved with the strategies that we are quite familiar with in today’s world. Family conflict can be prevented with honest and open communication, active listening, setting clear expectations, spending quality time together, setting boundaries, and respecting one another.

The path to familial bliss

Having read this article on how to handle family conflict biblically, you now know that solving conflicts requires active commitment from each family member. 

Families need to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, understanding, and effective communication to reduce the intensity and occurrence of conflict. For more tips on how to resolve conflicts amicably, consider seeing a relationship expert or therapist. 

Handling family conflict can be challenging, but this book provides more insights on how it can be done. Check out this masterpiece by Lou Priolo titled Resolving Conflict.