Biblical Conflict Resolution: Restoring Broken Relationships in the Body of Christ

In a world filled with division and strife, even within the church, it's crucial for us as fundamentalist Christians to cling to the unchanging Word of God for guidance. The Bible isn't silent on how to handle wrongs committed by fellow believers. Instead, it provides a clear, Spirit-led path toward reconciliation and restoration. Drawing from key Scriptures like Matthew 18:15-17 and Galatians 6:1, let's explore how we can honor the Lord by addressing offenses biblically, avoiding gossip, and pursuing unity in the faith.



The Matthew 18 Process: A Step-by-Step Guide to Reconciliation


Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself laid out a divine blueprint for dealing with personal sins or wrongs in Matthew 18:15-17 (KJV): "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."


This process isn't about winning arguments or seeking vengeance—it's about winning back a brother or sister in Christ with humility and love. Start privately: Approach the offender one-on-one, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), focusing on facts without accusation. If they repent, praise God—the relationship is restored!


If not, involve one or two mature witnesses to confirm the matter and mediate. These should be godly individuals who can provide objectivity and prayerful support. Only as a last resort bring it before the church body or elders for judgment. Even then, the goal is repentance and healing, not exclusion. If they remain unrepentant, treat them as an outsider—not with hatred, but with evangelistic love, praying for their return like the prodigal son.


Remember, this aligns with the broader command to forgive "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22), mirroring God's forgiveness toward us. As fundamentalists, we must reject worldly methods like lawsuits or social media shaming, submitting instead to Scripture's authority.


 The Galatians 6:1 Principle: Gentle Restoration in the Spirit


Complementing Matthew 18 is the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Galatians 6:1 (KJV): "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."


Here, Paul calls spiritual believers—those walking by the Holy Spirit and bearing His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)—to gently mend the broken. The word "restore" evokes repairing a net or setting a bone: careful, compassionate work to free someone from sin's snare. It's not for the proud or judgmental, but for the humble who recognize their own frailty.


Approach with meekness, not harshness, bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) as we fulfill the law of Christ. This principle reminds us that restoration is a community effort, done in love to strengthen the body. As fundamental Christians, we uphold the Bible's inerrancy, so let's apply this by examining our hearts first, avoiding self-righteousness that could lead us into temptation.


 Living Out These Truths in Our Churches


Fellow believers, in these last days, Satan seeks to divide the church through unresolved conflicts. But by faithfully following Matthew 18 and Galatians 6:1, we can foster environments of grace, accountability, and true fellowship. Pray for wisdom, forgive as Christ forgave you (Colossians 3:13), and remember: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" (Matthew 5:9).


May the Lord equip you to restore and reconcile for His glory.


In His service,  

DMMC 

3-16-26

Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA

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