Shameful conduct in disputes is a behavior that Scripture warns against, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity, humility, and love in all interactions, especially during conflicts. The Bible provides guidance on how believers should conduct themselves in disputes, highlighting the dangers of allowing pride, anger, and selfishness to dictate one's actions.

Biblical Warnings Against Shameful Conduct

The Bible frequently addresses the issue of shameful conduct in disputes, urging believers to avoid behaviors that lead to discord and division. In Proverbs 13:10, it is written, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised." This verse underscores the role of pride in fueling conflicts and the value of seeking wise counsel to resolve disputes peacefully.

James 4:1-2 further explores the root causes of disputes, stating, "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight." Here, the apostle James identifies selfish desires as the source of many conflicts, warning against allowing such desires to lead to shameful conduct.

The Call to Peaceful Resolution

The New Testament provides clear instructions for resolving disputes in a manner that honors God. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for addressing grievances: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

This passage emphasizes the importance of addressing disputes directly and privately, seeking reconciliation rather than public shame. It also highlights the role of the community in resolving conflicts, ensuring that disputes are handled with fairness and accountability.

The Role of Humility and Love

Humility and love are central to avoiding shameful conduct in disputes. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This call to humility and selflessness serves as a foundation for resolving disputes in a manner that reflects Christ's love.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes the nature of love, stating, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." This passage highlights the qualities that should characterize a believer's conduct in disputes, promoting a spirit of patience, kindness, and forgiveness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to conduct oneself in disputes. Despite facing false accusations and unjust treatment, Jesus responded with grace and truth. In 1 Peter 2:23, it is written, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Christ's response to conflict exemplifies the call to trust in God's justice and to respond to disputes with a spirit of humility and peace.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on shameful conduct in disputes call believers to a higher standard of behavior, one that reflects the character of Christ. By embracing humility, love, and a commitment to peaceful resolution, Christians are equipped to navigate conflicts in a manner that honors God and fosters unity within the body of Christ.