During war one of the things that horrify us is when some of our soldiers are killed or wounded due to “friendly fire.” It happens when the soldier is hurt or killed by other soldiers in their same unit, or by someone on the same side.

How often do we have casualties in the church due to friendly fire? A fight breaks out, and before we know it, a war begins in the church. When this happens people are hurt and the church is labeled in ways that she should not.

Church leaders become distracted when fights go on, and they have to do what they can to resolve the conflict. Those not involved in the fight are discouraged and wonder why they keep attending church at that location. The Lord’s work of evangelism and building one another is disrupted. Those who seek to be a part of a church become disenchanted very quickly because they seek peace in a world of conflict, and they come to the Prince of Peace and find His followers being anything but peaceful. Long held beliefs are discarded, such as forgiveness (or being willing to forgive), or the sin of gossip is committed. In all of this, the Lord and His church are dishonored.

How do we deal with fights and the “friendly fire” that Satan rejoices in?

First, we obey the leaders. Hebrews 13:17 is still a command that must be obeyed, and while we don’t always agree with everything our leaders decide, for the sake of unity and peace, we need to be willing to obey them.

Secondly, we must confront the troublemakers. This sounds like we are spoiling for a fight, but some must be warned, and be withdrawn from (Titus 3:10).

Thirdly, we must refute heresy, and stand for what God wants us to do. This sometimes leads to confrontations as well, but it must be done.

Fourthly, we in the church must meet needs. In Acts 6, God tells us that the church was about to fight over the fact that some of the widows were being neglected. The apostles saw the need and worked out the problem.

Fifth, the church must discourage spiritual nit-picking. While we must obey ALL of God’s laws, and NEVER encourage anyone to break any of God’s laws, we must not major in the minors. The Pharisees were guilty of tithing mint, anise and cumin, and forgetting justice and mercy and faith (Matthew 23:23). Note that Jesus said, “These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”

Sixth, “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” (Titus 3:9). What does the church spend time discussing and arguing about? Sometimes they are things that are unprofitable and useless.

Seventh, we must forgive. Again, none of us are perfect, and all of us will make mistakes and do things that harm others and the church. The example of how to forgive is found in Ephesians 4:32. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” “Even as God in Christ has forgiven us” — a pretty tall order, yet it can and must be done!

Brethren, tragedy happens in war when “friendly fire” incidents maim and wound, and sometimes kill, our soldiers. It is far more tragic, and has eternal consequences, when it happens in the church. Make sure of your target—and fight Satan!