Unity in Christ Despite Conflicts

The news is filled with horrific events, political tensions, and conflicts across the globe—stories of which have proliferated and are ubiquitous. The world is facing a wave of unprecedented violence. The year 2024 marked a grim new record with the highest number of state-based armed conflicts in more than seven decades.[1]

Yet conflicts of a different kind also arise within our church community, perhaps not surprising in a church of great diversity such as ours. I recall attending a youth event where two groups clashed over differing beliefs regarding lifestyle choices. It did not remain just a difference of opinion, however. They began to defame, accuse, and discredit one another. The atmosphere was heavy. How could this happen? People on both sides were appalled. Conflicts typically arise between individuals, or around substantive issues such as facts, methods, values, goals, beliefs, and power.[2]

Clinton Wahlen, in the Adult Bible Study Guide, states that unity is grounded in following the example of Christ, who overcame pride and selfish ambition through humility and service. He emphasizes that “Paul’s words provide a picture of humility: lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than ourselves, looking out for the interests of others and not merely our own.” This reflection builds on Wahlen’s insights and considers how the way we address these conflicts today can have profound implications for the unity of the church when more pressing conflicts arise.

Walk Ye Worthy of the Gospel

Paul writes to the Philippians about contention within their church. The reason for their disunity is unclear,[3] but it may be related to differing responses to suffering, perfectionism, disagreements over spiritual gifts, and other factors. Philippians 1:27-2:18 makes evident that part of the problem was the seeking of “party spirit” and “status.”[4] Envy and competition were present since they were not “[walking] in the Spirit . . . [in order not to] fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). It is noteworthy that although the Philippians faced external pressures, Paul’s main appeal is concerning the internal atmosphere of the community. In Philippians 3 Paul emphasizes that no action should be taken from selfish ambition or vainglory; instead, they are to walk “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27). Apparently some even preached, thinking that discrediting and removing Paul would serve the truth (verses 15, 16). So what does it truly mean to walk worthy?

What Is Our Motive?

As we read this imperative, we may be tempted to interpret it according to our own perspectives. Some may focus primarily on upholding the truth and adherence to doctrines, while others may emphasize love and acceptance. (Of course I’m not advocating for a simple differentiation. I’m well aware that conflicts arise from many factors, and it is never as simple as choosing between these two.)

Why do we insist on truth? What drives us to acts of love? Do we always truly act solely “for Christ”? Everything we do, even the pursuit of truth or the practice of love, might be tainted by selfish motives that do not have Christ at the heart, not to mention our blind spots. We may insist on truth out of dogmatism, pride, or self-righteousness, or we may pursue love to avoid discomfort, gain favor, or protect our own interests. In this regard I find what the Spirit of Prophecy says noteworthy:

“Those who are truly sanctified will not set up their own opinion as a standard of right and wrong. They are not bigoted or self-righteous; but they are jealous of self, ever fearing lest, a promise being left them, they should come short of complying with the conditions upon which the promises are based.”[5]

Without even noticing, we may quickly lose sight of the selfless, humble, and loving example of Christ we see in Philippians 2:5-8. Jesus knew the perfect harmony of heaven, yet He came to earth into a world filled with conflict. He entered the stage of human struggle fully aware of the challenges ahead. On the cross He overcame every form of selfishness and evil, not through force or power, but through humility, love, and complete others-centeredness. It was His selfless love that consumed the self-seeking spirit. This is the ultimate example of how, even in the midst of conflict, unity and reconciliation can be formed.

Truth At All Costs?

“Peace, if possible, but truth at all costs!” With these words Martin Luther highlights a tension that repeatedly surfaces in the church, bringing with it the potential for conflict. Ellen White is even more radical when she says:

“If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war.”[6]

What are we to make of this statement? Truth cannot be sacrificed for the sake of unity. Are we to ignore love? Does this permit us not to value compassion?

To maximize the possibility of individuals to wholeheartedly say yes to Jesus, we must contribute by allowing the Spirit to establish a unity in Christ among us. One that tenderly introduces people to the truth.

I argue that only by adhering to both elements of the equation can we have Christ at heart. Yet herein lies the tension, the difficulty. It seems impossible for us to manage this tension on our own, which is exacerbated by the ever-present danger of selfish motives. We can aim to speak the truth and to love one another, yet without Christ at the center, our efforts fall short or become distorted. The solution is not in human wisdom or willpower, but in looking unto Jesus. He alone perfectly embodies both truth and love, acting from pure humble selflessness, and shows us how to uphold truth without abandoning compassion, and to love without compromising integrity. In Him the tension finds resolution, and our motives are shaped by His Spirit rather than our own inclinations. We should not forget that “love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Ellen White highlights the danger of ignoring brotherly love:

“But the early Christians began to look for defects in one another. Dwelling upon mistakes, encouraging suspicion and doubt, giving way to unkind criticism, they lost sight of the Savior and of the great love He had revealed for sinners. They became more strict in regard to outward ceremonies, more particular about the theory of the faith, more severe in their criticisms. In their zeal to condemn others, they themselves erred. They forgot the lesson of brotherly love that Christ had taught. And, saddest of all, they were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives, and that soon they would walk in darkness, having shut the love of God out of their hearts.”[7]

Formed by the Spirit

Interestingly, in Philippians 2:1, 2 Paul lists such attributes as encouragement, comfort, love, fellowship, affection, and compassion, which can be seen as another expression of the fruit of the Spirit that should characterize believers.[8] Among these six attributes, four are especially crucial for conflict resolution:

1. oiktirmós (“compassion”)

2. agápē (“love”)

3. splágchnon (“innermost feelings/tender compassion”)

4. splánchna (“innermost compassion/tender feeling”).

Paul emphasizes that people are more readily drawn to the truth when the atmosphere is one of intimate compassion. Yet the Philippians were living in a way that opposed these attributes, and were thereby breaking up the possibility for unity.[9]

The term oiktirmós (“compassion”) carries the sense of showing concern for another’s misfortune, pity, mercy, or compassion.[10] Both splánchna (“innermost compassion/tender feeling”) and oiktírmon/oiktírmomai (“merciful, compassionate”) correspond closely to the Hebrew raham (“to have compassion”). While splánchna (“innermost compassion/tender feeling”) occurs infrequently, it bears considerable weight, expressing a profoundly emotional response to another’s hardship, compassion, sympathy, tender feeling, and mercy.[11]

Another expression Paul continually uses throughout his letters is the term koinōnía (“fellowship”). There is the phrase koinōnía pneumatos (“fellowship of the Spirit”). While pneuma (“Spirit/breath”) could here be used in a communal, even psychological sense (fellowship, unity in spirit), it is most likely the Holy Spirit, in parallel to “in Christ” (Phil. 2:1) and similar in meaning to “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” in 2 Corinthians 13:13. Here, in Philippians, it is the “fellowship of the Spirit.” This genitive construction can also be read as a subjective genitive (“the Spirit-formed fellowship”).[12]

I find this expression beautiful, as it indicates that our fellowship, our relational dealings with one another, should indeed be shaped and guided by the Holy Spirit. Each bears the responsibility of opening their heart to the Holy Spirit, so that a Christlike attitude takes shape, which will then inevitably affect other fellow believers. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). To successfully walk this narrow, balanced ridge can be achieved only in Christ.

Handling Little Conflicts

As mentioned earlier, our attention is often consumed by conflicts surrounding us. Yet we should be reminded that tribulation will often take place in unseen, invisible ways. Although Jesus foretells, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:7), He also warns that humble and faithful Christians “will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death” (Luke 21:16). Our ways of handling conflict will determine and shape our strength and capacity to stand steadfast in unity. As long as we find ourselves day by day at the feet of Jesus, willing to be shaped, formed, and crafted by Him, we have no reason to fear. For it is in His presence that our motives are purified, our hearts are anchored, and our faith is made steadfast for the trials to come. In these trials our relational integrity may be put to the test.

A Loving Atmosphere Can Help Hearts Be Settled

The great controversy between good and evil takes place in people’s hearts. A gentle, loving atmosphere can draw them closer to Christ far more effectively than just hammering down the truth, which often repels. Creating an atmosphere of trust without fear allows people to open up and be vulnerable. Genuine unity requires love, humility, and a willingness to engage with all, even when hearts and minds differ (Col. 3:14). In the end, when external pressures fall upon the church, compassion and trust will keep it grounded in the truth and will help people make decisions for Christ more readily (1 Cor .13:4-7). We may often think that our commitment to core doctrines will be the deciding factor. But in order to maximize the possibility of individuals wholeheartedly saying yes to Jesus, we must contribute by allowing the Spirit to establish a unity in Christ among us—one that tenderly introduces people to the truth, allowing them to encounter it with open hearts.

Transformational doctrine flows from a heart that loves Jesus. The way we handle and navigate small internal conflicts now will affect our strength and resilience in the tribulations yet to come. The more an others-centered spirit is nurtured, the more people will help each other in times of trial. Then trust can grow, and fewer people will seek to look out only for themselves, neglecting the needs of others (Eccl. 4:9, 10). It’s up to each individual to allow themselves to be formed by Jesus and thus contribute to a loving Christlike unity and atmosphere.

Let me close with a powerful statement from Ellen White that captures the very heart of this reflection:

“We are nearing the end of time. Trials will be abundant from without, but let them not come from within the church. Let God’s professed people deny self for the truth’s sake, for Christ’s sake. . . . Everyone who truly loves God will have the spirit of Christ and a fervent love for his brethren. The more a person’s heart is in communion with God, and the more his affections are centered in Christ, the less will he be disturbed by the roughness and hardships he meets in this life. Those who are growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus will become more and more like Christ in character, rising above the disposition to murmur and be discontented. They will despise to be faultfinders.”[13]

[1] New Data Shows Conflict at Historic High as U.S. Signals Retreat From World Stage (The Peace Research Institute Oslo [PRIO], n.d.).

[2] Roger Pascoe, “Church Relationships: Managing Church Conflict,” n.d., https://bible.org/seriespage/3-church-relationships-managing-church-conflict.

[3] Mark J. Keown, Philippians 1:1-2:18, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, Wash.: Lexham Academic, 2017).

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ellen G. White, The Sanctified Life (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1937), p. 9.

[6] Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Moutain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1911), p. 45.

[7] Ellen G. White manuscript 143, December 10, 1903

[8] Keown, p. 335.

[9] Ibid., p. 336.

[10] Ibid., p. 335.

[11] John C. Peckham, The Love of God: A Canonical Model (Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2015), pp. 86, 87.

[12] Keown, p. 334.

[13] Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 5, pp. 483, 484.