In today’s world, marked by polarisation, hostility, and misunderstanding, one might wonder: Does God call us to fight against each other? While humanity has often turned to conflict as a means of resolving differences, God’s Word reveals a radically different path—a path of peace, unity, and love.
This blog explores the biblical perspective on this profound question, unpacking Scripture’s teachings about human relationships and God’s desire for harmony among His creation.
The Divine Blueprint for Unity
From the very beginning, God designed humanity for togetherness. Genesis 1:26-27 declares:
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This foundational truth establishes that every human being carries the divine imprint. We are all part of one family, created to reflect God’s character of love, mercy, and justice. When we turn against one another in anger, jealousy, or pride, we betray this divine image and disrupt the harmony God intended.
The Tragedy of Division
The Bible does not shy away from portraying the devastating consequences of human conflict. In Genesis 4, we see the tragic story of Cain and Abel. Out of jealousy and anger, Cain killed his brother, leading to God’s poignant question:
“Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9).
This question echoes through the ages, confronting us whenever we harbour animosity or engage in strife. God’s rebuke to Cain—“What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” (Genesis 4:10)—reminds us that conflict leaves lasting scars, not only on individuals but on communities and nations.
The New Testament reinforces this warning. In Galatians 5:19–21, Paul lists the acts of the flesh, including hatred, discord, jealousy, and fits of rage, as behaviours that prevent us from inheriting God’s kingdom. Division is a work of the enemy, not of God.
God’s Command to Pursue Peace
Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to live in peace. In Psalm 34:14, we are instructed:
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This command is not passive—it requires active effort. Seeking peace means humble ourselves, forgiving offences, and working to restore broken relationships. It means choosing love over hate and reconciliation over revenge.
The Apostle Paul emphasises this in Romans 12:17-18:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This call to peace extends even to our enemies. Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44–45 are both challenging and transformative.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
The Role of Love in Building Unity
At the heart of God’s call to unity is love. Love is not merely an emotion but a commitment to seek the good of others. The Apostle Paul’s famous passage on love in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 provides a blueprint for how we should treat one another:
“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonour others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”
When love is our guiding principle, division and conflict lose their power. Love enables us to forgive, to understand, and to work together for the common good.
Jesus: The Prince of Peace
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is our ultimate example of how to respond to conflict. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus rejected violence and division. When faced with betrayal, false accusations, and crucifixion, He chose forgiveness and peace. His prayer on the cross—“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)—is a powerful reminder of God’s boundless love and mercy.
Jesus also taught His disciples to prioritise unity. In John 13:34-35, He said:
“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
This love is a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s kingdom.
The Church as a Model of Unity
The Church is called to be a beacon of unity in a divided world. Ephesians 4:1-3 urges believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This unity is not based on uniformity but on a shared commitment to Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Practical Steps Toward Unity
- Pray for Unity: Begin with prayer, asking God to soften your heart and guide your actions.
- Forgive Offences: Let go of bitterness and seek reconciliation with those who have wronged you.
- Build Bridges: Reach out to others, especially those who are different from you, and work together for the common good.
- Speak Truth in Love: Be honest but kind in your words, aiming to build up rather than tear down.
- Model Christ’s Example: Follow Jesus’ example of humility, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.
Conclusion: God’s Call to Peace
God does not ask us to fight against each other; He calls us to unity, peace, and love. When we choose peace over conflict, forgiveness over resentment, and love over hate, we reflect God’s character and fulfil His purpose for our lives.
As followers of Christ, let us commit to being peacemakers, working to heal divisions and build communities rooted in love. Let us answer God’s call to unity and become a light in a world that desperately needs His peace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)