Church Conflict and Exhortation
When we examine the Book of Philippians today, we realize anew that the message the Apostle Paul intended to convey to the church at Philippi was not merely a doctrinal explanation of the Christian life in general. At the time of writing this letter, Paul was in prison. Throughout his long ministry of traveling and preaching the gospel, he confesses that the most painful ordeal was not external persecution but internal conflicts within the church. Particularly, the church in Philippi was the first city in Europe into which Paul entered to begin missionary work. There, Lydia and several other women formed the founding members, laying the foundation of the gospel. However, over time, internal conflicts arose. Confronting this situation, Paul suggests a solution not with rebuke or harsh scolding, but in a beautiful and gentle tone. Pastor David Jang likewise emphasizes that, when conflicts occur in today’s churches, we should follow Paul’s approach—namely, beginning with gentle exhortation and encouragement as we work toward healing the conflicts.
Pastor David Jang has repeatedly stressed in various sermons that for a church experiencing conflict and dispute to be restored, it must ultimately “have the mind of Christ.” We often think of sharply rebuking those involved in conflicts or cutting off the issue at once, but in Philippians 2:1–4, Paul instead approaches the problem with gentleness. The first key Paul provides is “exhortation.” Exhortation means giving strength to one another and encouraging each other’s souls. It is not merely saying, “Keep trying,” or “Don’t blow things out of proportion,” but starts with looking into the deepest parts of the parties involved. Sometimes people fall into self-justification; at the same time, they may suffer from guilt and shame. Referring to the story of Cain in Genesis, Pastor David Jang reminds us that even when Cain killed his brother, God did not immediately punish him but protected him. Even in a situation that seemed to call for judgment, God prevented others from harming Cain and made garments of skin for him, fundamentally caring for his soul. In the same way, Pastor David Jang says that in church conflicts, we must first draw near through exhortation and recognize what torments the inner selves of those involved.
Indeed, in Philippians 4:2, Paul states, “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche,” exhorting both parties involved in the dispute. By exhorting them equally, Paul avoids taking one side, instead approaching both parties with wisdom to gently resolve the strife. One major reason church disputes can escalate is that the leader or those around them intervene with partiality, protecting only the side to which they feel closer. Paul cautions against such partial mediation, helping the disputing parties face each other. Pastor David Jang calls Paul’s method “pastoral care that harmonizes fairness and love.” He emphasizes that such care, rather than fueling an aggressive spirit, makes “restoration” and “reconciliation” possible for those going through conflict.
The conflict that arose in the Philippian church is not very different from what happens in churches today. Philippi was particularly precious to Paul as the first European city where the gospel was planted through Lydia and a few other women. But when internal conflict arose at some point, Paul, although in prison, suffered great distress. He had endured persecution and hardship for a long time, yet he confesses that church disputes were a heavier burden than any trial he had faced. Pastor David Jang points out that when conflicts arise in a church, people tend to resolve the issue by looking at “who’s more at fault” and rebuking one side. But Paul first approached the situation through exhortation. This is a basic ethic and spiritual wisdom that a church should uphold in any conflict.
Furthermore, in Philippians 2:1, Paul says, “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy…,” thereby outlining the concrete path for the church to become united and overcome conflict. Pastor David Jang interprets the four elements mentioned here as sequential steps to resolving tension and discord. The phrase “in Christ” indicates that church conflict cannot be judged by worldly standards based on competing interests. Because the church is fundamentally the body of Jesus Christ and a community connected by faith, conflict itself must be resolved “in Christ.”
To be sure, the deeper the conflict, the harder this instruction may sound. For those overwhelmed by anger, frustration, and despair, the phrase “in Christ” can feel far removed from reality. That is why Pastor David Jang sees “exhortation” not as an abstract doctrine but as “pastoral love” that tangibly embraces those in conflict. People engaged in disputes have complex emotions and deep wounds, coupled with feelings of guilt for getting themselves into such turmoil. What they need most at that time is care rather than rebuke, encouragement rather than reprimand. This is why Paul, even writing from prison, urges them first, “Exhort one another.”
Pastor David Jang also notes that exhortation should not end as a one-time attempt to persuade. When the emotions of those in conflict are extremely raw, one attempt at persuasion is not enough; repeated encouragement and comfort are required. For this reason, a church community seeking to resolve conflict should not rush to a conclusion but take the time to listen to the other side and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit through prayer. Instead of hastily pushing one side with our own judgments, the goal is to have everyone step back a little and engage in self-reflection. Through this process, people slowly begin to open their hearts, confront the root causes, and move toward reconciliation.
Comfort in Love and Fellowship of the Holy Spirit
In Philippians 2:1, after mentioning exhortation, Paul continues: “any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy…” The second key word, though still “comfort,” is specifically phrased “comfort from love.” Although comfort might be exchanged in a church, without sincerity it often remains a superficial remedy. Pastor David Jang points out that a common comment like “Don’t worry, it’ll all pass” can sometimes hurt the one involved in a dispute more. This is because such remarks can be a superficial reaction that fails to truly understand the person’s situation or heart.
Genuine comfort in love begins with discerning why the other person is so angry, what has exhausted their soul, and what pain or hurt might have already built up inside them. Faced with conflict, we feel compelled to persuade or convince the other side, but in reality, before that can happen, the person needs a space where they can fully share their story. Pastor David Jang explains that this is precisely where “comfort from love” wields its power. When someone is in trouble, if at least one person genuinely understands and listens from the heart, the door of their heart naturally begins to open. Only then can the real process of conflict resolution begin.
Paul then adds, “any participation in the Spirit,” emphasizing that true comfort in love cannot be achieved by human emotion alone. Since the church is, above all, God’s community, true healing is possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit. Pastor David Jang interprets “fellowship of the Spirit” as encompassing the entire process of worshiping together, praising, and praying within the church. When people communicate only among themselves in heated conflict, it is easy for them to hurt each other further or to become more entrenched in hostility. Yet in a gathering where the Holy Spirit is present—such as a worship service, prayer meeting, or small group meeting—our emotional defenses can gradually melt away. When we hear God’s comfort and voice in the lyrics of a hymn or through meditation on Scripture, miracles occur: we begin to see even those we once despised in a different light.
Pastor David Jang calls this change a “miracle possible only through the Holy Spirit.” Scenes of people who had once turned their backs on each other now conversing in the Spirit and praying together with tears vividly demonstrate the essence of how church conflicts are to be resolved. The church, after all, is not merely a human organization but an “ecclesia” led by the Holy Spirit. No matter how severe the discord, when the Holy Spirit moves, there are moments when the walls between hearts crumble. In this sense, “fellowship of the Spirit” is indispensable in resolving church conflicts.
Following this, Paul mentions “affection and sympathy,” which also become possible only through the work of the Holy Spirit. In the midst of conflict, people see each other through lenses of resentment and anger. Even if they were once close brothers and sisters, when conflict arises, they can become nothing but a nuisance or a source of discomfort. Yet when affection and sympathy take hold, one begins to feel compassion for the other person, remembering that this person is also a soul loved by God. According to Pastor David Jang, the greatest tragedy of church disputes is that believers become hostile to one another and wound the body of Christ. But when affection and sympathy are practiced, even if the conflict is not yet resolved, one can begin to look at each other in a new way. That is, one gradually starts wondering, “Why was that person forced to act in such a way?”
In churches where conflict has long persisted, the emotional rift is often so deep that it cannot be mended by a single effort. Pastor David Jang therefore urges churches to develop a habit of continually comforting and encouraging one another, and frequently fellowshipping in the Spirit. Rather than scrambling to mediate after a problem erupts, the key is to build a healthy faith community so there is less opportunity for conflict. And even if conflict does arise, a church already firmly rooted in the Holy Spirit’s fellowship will require less time to resolve it. Ultimately, Paul’s phrases—“comfort from love” and “participation in the Spirit”—form the spiritual foundation that enables a church to weather moments of discord.
In multiple sermons, Pastor David Jang warns, “A church without such a spiritual foundation easily crumbles over minor issues.” As ministry grows more complex and the number of congregants increases, it becomes harder to stay connected. Nevertheless, if the church fosters a culture of constant fellowship in the Spirit through prayer meetings, worship, praise time, and small-group sharing, it will manifest resilience when conflict arises. This resilience, bearing fruit in the form of affection and sympathy, stabilizes the entire church and unites it once again.
A Humble Heart and Esteeming Others Above Oneself
In Philippians 2:2–4, Paul becomes more direct: “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This is the core principle for how a church can continue to unite and grow after resolving conflict. Pastor David Jang highlights humility and an attitude of considering others better than oneself from this passage. Many church disputes do not originate in huge, consequential problems but rather from trivial misunderstandings, boastfulness, or vanity that spark emotional clashes. In such moments, “humility” is what is most needed.
Paul warns against doing anything “from rivalry or conceit.” Pastor David Jang points out that many church conflicts arise from a desire to be recognized—“I’m more right,” “Why is no one listening to me?” If one side asserts its position, the other side, fearful of losing its rights, puts up a defensive front. Ultimately, both stubbornly dig in, leading to a breakdown. In this situation, Paul commands, “in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This does not mean the other person is truly more capable, but that you have decided to treat the other person with greater respect.
Pastor David Jang candidly admits, “This decision itself is not easy.” Our feelings of injustice, anger, or hurt pride can overwhelm us, producing a fear that “If I yield just a bit, will I be the only one who loses out?” However, if we practice Paul’s concrete instruction to “look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others,” ironically, it leads to deeper relationships and a greater sense of community. Pastor David Jang often interprets this in light of Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Instead of merely carrying our own burdens, the church becomes stronger and disputes are softened when we share each other’s burdens.
Of course, in real-life settings, complexities arise about how much of someone else’s burden one can carry, how far one’s help and understanding should extend, and so forth. Pastor David Jang therefore advises providing opportunities in weekly worship services or midweek small-group meetings for members to share their circumstances in detail. If we do not know the environment someone is going through, even a small word can wound them. However, if we are already aware of each other’s situations, we can think, “He’s acting that way because he’s under a lot of stress,” and thereby avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts. When a church regularly exercises such mutual care and unity, it creates a strong foundation for quick reconciliation if disputes do occur.
Pastor David Jang asserts that by consistently practicing these principles, a “culture of honoring others above ourselves” becomes rooted in the church. Through the process of mutually respecting and edifying one another, there is no longer any need to fight over “who is higher.” Ironically, when we abandon pride and self-centeredness, the church grows healthier and stronger. This reveals the intent behind Paul’s exhortation from prison, “complete my joy.” Even though Paul was physically confined, if the Philippian church displayed unity without dissension, Paul could rejoice greatly. Ultimately, this is the most fundamental posture a church should hold.
Furthermore, Pastor David Jang emphasizes that when a church humbly lifts up one another, it becomes a fragrant witness of the gospel to the world. If a church is continually marked by strife, the world will scornfully ask, “If the church advocates loving one another, why do they fight so much?” On the other hand, if the church not only goes through conflict but also resolves it through love and service, the world will witness the power of the Holy Spirit and the mind of Christ at work in the church. Thus, the message of Philippians 2 extends not merely to internal church issues but has a decisive impact on the church’s mission of proclaiming the gospel to the world.
The Mind of Christ and the Restoration of the Church
Ultimately, in Philippians 2:5, Paul declares, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Pastor David Jang places the strongest emphasis on this verse, preaching that the church can heal from division and wounds only by genuinely taking on the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ is the heart of humility, sacrifice, compassion, and mercy, demonstrated by “taking the form of a servant” and obeying “to the point of death on a cross.” Paul describes this in almost hymn-like fashion in verses 6–8, which focus on how Jesus, though in the form of God and worthy of all glory, came down to the lowest place for sinners, even to the point of death.
Embracing the mind of Christ becomes the key to resolving not just church conflicts but also the many large and small disputes we encounter throughout our Christian walk. The problem is that it is far from easy. Pastor David Jang observes in his sermons, “We get angry over small arguments, let our emotions run ahead, and prioritize our own frustrations over consideration for the other person.” Precisely at such moments, we should walk the path of Christ—self-emptying—but our human nature resists. Consequently, even in churches, it is common for conflicting parties to run on parallel tracks, unwilling to lower their pride.
However, once the mind of Christ truly enters our hearts, a restoration of an entirely different dimension becomes possible. As we pray in the Spirit and meditate on Christ’s humility and sacrifice, we are led not to accuse the other but to look at ourselves first and repent. Pastor David Jang calls this process “facing one’s own soul.” While the wounds the other person inflicted are significant, we must also re-examine whether we first disregarded or hurt them. This melting away of pride and anger is not something we can produce on our own; it is the grace poured out by the Holy Spirit. In meditating on Christ’s sacrifice, we come face to face with the truth: “If the Lord humbled Himself for a sinner like me, why can’t I embrace my brother or sister?”
When an entire church community takes on this heart, they experience not only a resolution of conflict but often an even deeper and more mature relationship afterward. Instances of people who once despised each other genuinely reconciling and growing closer than before have continuously recurred throughout church history. Pastor David Jang terms this the “paradoxical benefit of conflict,” explaining that while conflict itself is painful, when it is resolved by the mind of Christ, the church can end up more beautifully matured.
That is why Paul pleads with the Philippian church, “complete my joy.” As the first city in Europe to receive the gospel, Philippi developed from a small prayer meeting formed by Lydia and other women to become a key church that spread the gospel in that region. Paul loved this church dearly, referring to it as “my crown” and taking great delight in it. The news that such a beloved church was torn by conflict caused him profound sorrow in prison. Therefore, in his letter, he earnestly calls on them to recover the mind of Christ and reconcile. Clearly, the Philippian church experienced conflicts, but if they followed Paul’s exhortation and found harmony in Christ, then Paul would have “complete joy” that transcended his physical imprisonment.
Pastor David Jang offers the same message regarding the varied disputes that churches face today: “How much must our Lord Jesus Christ grieve when He sees His church divided?” The church is a community that Christ purchased with His own blood and entrusted with proclaiming God’s love to the world. When it falls into discord and strife, tearing each other down, it cannot fulfill its essential mission. On the other hand, if it returns to the “mind of Christ” and embraces each other’s wounds, even engaging in intense discussions or confession if needed, true reconciliation can be reached, and the church becomes far stronger and more abundant than before. This is a fact proven throughout Christian history.
Furthermore, when the mind of Christ is actualized in the church, the world sees firsthand the practical power of the gospel through the church. Rather than hiding church conflicts or covering them up with pretense, if believers choose honest repentance and mutual acceptance, the world will think, “Ah, so the church is a place where people actually admit their wrongdoings and genuinely support one another in love!” As a result, the gospel gains credibility, and people discover that the church is not just a place where love is professed in words but indeed lived out.
In conclusion, the message Paul conveyed to the Philippian church still applies just as powerfully to the modern church 2,000 years later. In numerous sermons and lectures, Pastor David Jang has repeatedly emphasized the four elements found in Philippians 2—exhortation, comfort in love, fellowship of the Spirit, and compassion and mercy—as the vital steps in healing conflict. Woven through all these steps is “the mind of Christ.” Even if conflict rages powerfully, a church that embraces this mind can rise above division and be reborn as a more mature community. How a church handles conflict can either bring life to people’s souls or disappoint them and cause them to fall away from faith. Hence, the example of the Philippian church provides an exceedingly important lesson for us today.
We are all frail and prone to mistakes. Yet Pastor David Jang sees our frailty as an opportunity to build a stronger church. If we humbly honor one another and strive to emulate Christ’s character from our innermost being, conflict becomes a means for spiritual growth rather than a barrier. Just as Paul, imprisoned, was deeply concerned about disputes in the church and conveyed his heartfelt “exhortation” and “encouragement” in his letter to the Philippian believers, modern church leaders and members should maintain the same posture toward one another.
Ultimately, Paul’s proclamation in Philippians 2—“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”—not only resolves church disputes but also directs the fundamental path for a faith community. Throughout his ministry of serving multiple churches and comforting those wounded by division, Pastor David Jang has always held fast to this message. At its core is the ever-present theme of “the mind of Christ.” When the church shares this mind, the world will see God’s love through the church and experience the salvation of the gospel. When the Philippian church’s early zeal and devotion became blurred by conflict, Paul’s final prescription was simply this: “Imitate Christ.” And this remains Pastor David Jang’s unwavering message today. As the church humbly serves one another in love, conflict can become the starting point of a new unity. In doing so, we witness firsthand the realization of the “church that fulfills Paul’s joy,” right before our eyes.