How Jesus Resolved Conflict.
A Call to Follow His Example
“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
— C.S. Lewis
Being a Christian is more than believing in the existence of Jesus; it is following His way — embracing His lifestyle, His teachings, and His approach to life, people, and conflict. When Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14–15), He did not just perform an act of service — He left us an example to imitate: humility in action.
Jesus did not just come to earth to teach; He came to model. He is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), showing us not only who God is, but also how we are to live. He resolved conflict not with retaliation, but with grace, truth, and meekness. The question we must ask is:
How would Jesus want me to resolve this conflict?
The Mindset of Christ in Conflict
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 2:5
When Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and ultimately crucified, He never once retaliated with violence. He did not cling to His rights, even though He had all authority. Instead, He humbled Himself (Philippians 2:6–8).
He told Peter to put away his sword (Matthew 26:52). He could have called legions of angels (Matthew 26:53), but He chose the cross. He entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
— 1 Peter 2:23
This is the pattern for us — not weakness, but power under control. The same Jesus who calmed storms and cast out demons also stayed silent before Pilate. That silence was not surrender — it was submission to the Father’s will.
Jesus on Forgiveness and Non-Retaliation
“But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
— Matthew 5:39
Turning the other cheek is not a call to endure abuse without question, but a call to not retaliate out of pride or vengeance. When Jesus was struck during His trial, He questioned the injustice (John 18:22–23), showing that we can stand for truth without resorting to violence or pride.
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
— Luke 23:34
This is how Jesus handled betrayal, injustice, and violence — with forgiveness. He absorbed the offense and left judgment to God.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Why Following Christ Will Cost You
Jesus never sinned — yet He suffered more than any man. We often believe that doing the right thing should lead to smooth outcomes, but the Bible teaches otherwise.
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
— 2 Timothy 3:12
There is a cost to following Jesus, and that cost includes humbling yourself in the face of conflict — not because you’re weak, but because you’re strong enough to let God be your defender.
“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”
— 1 Peter 3:17
When you’re tempted to take matters into your own hands, ask:
Would Jesus lead me into this battle?
Will this glorify God in the end?
Am I following the flesh, or the example of Christ?
10 Scriptures on How God Exalts the Humble and Fights for Them
James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
1 Peter 5:6–7 – “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.”
Psalm 18:27 – “For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.”
Proverbs 22:4 – “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”
Matthew 23:12 – “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Isaiah 66:2 – “This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
Psalm 147:6 – “The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.”
Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
“God will never waste your pain. He will use it to produce in you a humility that cannot be manufactured any other way.”
— A.W. Tozer
Conclusion: Let God Fight for You
Following Jesus into conflict means choosing humility, trusting God, and walking in a different spirit than the world. Sometimes it will feel like you’re letting people get away with things — but you’re actually letting God handle it.
“You do not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.”
— 2 Chronicles 20:17
Humility does not mean silence in every situation — but it does mean trusting God’s timing, God’s justice, and God’s vindication. As Christians, we’re not just called to believe in Jesus — we are called to become like Him.
“He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
— Matthew 20:28