When we turn to Galatians 5:15, Paul gives us a serious warning: “If you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.” Church conflict is one of the most damaging kinds of conflict because it does not affect only the people involved. It can weaken the congregation, hurt families, discourage brothers and sisters, and even turn away those who are searching for God.

Jesus warned us in Matthew 12:25 that “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” That principle applies to the church. If we are constantly fighting, criticizing, and tearing each other down, eventually we damage the very body we are supposed to be strengthening.

So how do we overcome biting and devouring one another? We begin by learning to consider one another.

First, we need to develop humility. Moses is described in Numbers 12:3 as an extremely humble man. Later, when rebellion arose against him, Numbers 16:4 says that Moses fell on his face. Instead of immediately reacting with pride and anger, he humbled himself. We need that same spirit. When disagreements arise, we should not always assume that we must win, prove ourselves right, or have the last word. Sometimes humility will prevent a disagreement from becoming a division.

Second, we need to bridle our tongues. James 1:26 tells us that if we consider ourselves religious but do not control our tongues, our religion is useless. James also tells us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). Many conflicts would never grow if we simply listened before speaking.

Sometimes our tongues move faster than our ears. We react before we know the whole story. We say something in anger and later wish we could take it back. But words can leave lasting wounds. Just as a small rudder directs a large ship, our words can influence the direction of our relationships. We need to learn when to speak, how to speak, and sometimes when not to speak at all.

Third, we need to love our brothers and sisters. Biblical love means that we genuinely care about each other. When we listen carefully, we begin to understand what another person may be experiencing. Sometimes someone is carrying a burden we know nothing about. Instead of judging quickly, we should listen, encourage, help, and show compassion.

Fourth, we need to pursue peace. Romans 14:19 says, “Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Peace does not always happen accidentally. Sometimes we have to pursue it deliberately.

That means we stop avoiding problems and become proactive in solving them. Instead of looking for ways to upset, criticize, or prove someone wrong, we look for opportunities to edify—to build them up. We should ask ourselves whether our words and actions are making the church stronger or weaker.

Fifth, we need to hold one another accountable in the right way. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:19 not to receive an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. That teaches us not to accept every rumor or accusation we hear. We need facts, fairness, and wisdom.

At the same time, accountability means that when we see a brother or sister genuinely doing something wrong, love may require us to speak to them. But there is an important difference between correcting someone because we love them and attacking someone because we are angry with them. Our goal should always be restoration, repentance, and spiritual growth—not humiliation.

So when conflict arises among us, we should remember these principles: develop humility, bridle our tongues, love one another, pursue peace, and practice godly accountability.

We also need to remember that church conflict reaches farther than we sometimes realize. Other Christians are watching. Our families are watching. Visitors are watching. People outside the church are watching. If they see Christians constantly fighting and destroying one another, what kind of picture are we giving them of Christ and His church?

We owe it to ourselves, to our families, to our brothers and sisters, to the lost, and above all to God to stop unnecessary bickering and division.

Christianity is not a single event where we suddenly become everything God wants us to be. It is a life of continued learning, growing, correcting, and striving toward spiritual maturity. Every one of us has areas where we need improvement.

So we should examine ourselves. Are we contributing to peace or conflict? Are our words building people up or tearing them down? Are we listening before speaking? Are we humble enough to admit when we are wrong? Do we genuinely love our brothers and sisters?

Paul’s warning is clear: if we continue biting and devouring one another, eventually we may consume one another. But if we choose humility, love, restraint, peace, and accountability, we can strengthen the church instead.

Let us consider one another, build one another up, and pursue the kind of unity that honors God.