Paul Jesse
COMS 560-B01
Interaction Paper 1
Examples of Interpersonal Conflict between Man and God and Man and Man in Scripture
Introduction
Conflict has been around since the beginning of time. Indeed, this is not how God
intended people to relate to one another. We were created in his image and designed to love one
another as God loves us. But sin corrupted God's wonderful design, opening the way for
selfishness, greed, hatred, conflict, and violence. “In his word, God has explained why conflicts
occur, and how we should deal with them. The more we understand and obey what he teaches,
the more effective we will be in resolving our own disagreements” (Sande, p.29). There are
countless examples of situations in the Bible where conflict is presented. Conflict is no stranger
to individuals and stories of the Bible. “There are literally hundreds of pairs of passages in the
Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that have been identified as being in apparent conflict”
(Robinson). There are examples from the very beginning in Genesis all the way to the end in
Revelation. Even Jesus himself had conflict with his disciples at times. “Conflict is the process
we go through and the price we pay for intimacy with God” (Oliver). Many conflicts are caused
or aggravated by sinful attitudes and habits that lead to sinful words and actions. The Bible
clearly speaks about conflict. While studying the Bible various examples of conflict within
scripture give a clear understanding about mans sinful nature, how God chases those who he has
called, and about the consequences of behavior which contradicts God’s plan. Throughout this
interaction key examples of interpersonal conflict between man and God, as well as conflict
between man and man will be presented.
, Examples of Conflict between Man and Man
The story of Jacob and Esau is about the reconciliation of brothers divided by hatred and
jealousy. The story of this notable conflict is found in the Old Testament in Genesis chapter
thirty-two. Jacob and Esau were the sons of Isaac, and also were known as the first twins ever
mentioned in the Bible. Even though the two boys were twins biblical law proclaimed that the
first born male would obtain the fathers birthright. Since Esau came out of the womb first he was
entitled to Isaac’s birthright. Growing up the boys were completely opposite of each other. Jacob
was not very tough while Esau was considered a strong hunter. One day when the brothers were
teenagers Esau returned from a hunting trip starving, and asked Jacob for some of the stew he
had made. Jacob decided to take advantage of his brother’s vulnerable position and offered a
bowl of stew for his birthright. Out of desperation and starvation Esau agreed to exchange his
birthright for a bowl of stew. When the time came for Isaac who was now an old man to give his
blessing on his sons, Jacob and his mother decided to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob in Esau’s
place. Once Esau found that Jacob had deceived Isaac and that his blessing had been given to
Jacob, he threatened to kill his brother, and Jacob fled. It was not until years later that the two
brothers reconciled and became a family once again.
The story of David and Goliath found in first Samuel chapter seventeen is an excellent
example of conflict between men. During battle between the Philistine and Israelites Goliath
would come out each day for forty days mocking and challenging the Israelites to face and fight
him. A young Sheppard boy named David was sent to the front lines to bring his father back
news of his brothers. David having seen the Goliath did not understand why the men were so
afraid of this man. David volunteered to fight the Goliath, and after much persuasion to King
Saul he finally agreed. Turning down King Saul’s armor David approached Goliath with a
COMS 560-B01
Interaction Paper 1
Examples of Interpersonal Conflict between Man and God and Man and Man in Scripture
Introduction
Conflict has been around since the beginning of time. Indeed, this is not how God
intended people to relate to one another. We were created in his image and designed to love one
another as God loves us. But sin corrupted God's wonderful design, opening the way for
selfishness, greed, hatred, conflict, and violence. “In his word, God has explained why conflicts
occur, and how we should deal with them. The more we understand and obey what he teaches,
the more effective we will be in resolving our own disagreements” (Sande, p.29). There are
countless examples of situations in the Bible where conflict is presented. Conflict is no stranger
to individuals and stories of the Bible. “There are literally hundreds of pairs of passages in the
Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that have been identified as being in apparent conflict”
(Robinson). There are examples from the very beginning in Genesis all the way to the end in
Revelation. Even Jesus himself had conflict with his disciples at times. “Conflict is the process
we go through and the price we pay for intimacy with God” (Oliver). Many conflicts are caused
or aggravated by sinful attitudes and habits that lead to sinful words and actions. The Bible
clearly speaks about conflict. While studying the Bible various examples of conflict within
scripture give a clear understanding about mans sinful nature, how God chases those who he has
called, and about the consequences of behavior which contradicts God’s plan. Throughout this
interaction key examples of interpersonal conflict between man and God, as well as conflict
between man and man will be presented.
, Examples of Conflict between Man and Man
The story of Jacob and Esau is about the reconciliation of brothers divided by hatred and
jealousy. The story of this notable conflict is found in the Old Testament in Genesis chapter
thirty-two. Jacob and Esau were the sons of Isaac, and also were known as the first twins ever
mentioned in the Bible. Even though the two boys were twins biblical law proclaimed that the
first born male would obtain the fathers birthright. Since Esau came out of the womb first he was
entitled to Isaac’s birthright. Growing up the boys were completely opposite of each other. Jacob
was not very tough while Esau was considered a strong hunter. One day when the brothers were
teenagers Esau returned from a hunting trip starving, and asked Jacob for some of the stew he
had made. Jacob decided to take advantage of his brother’s vulnerable position and offered a
bowl of stew for his birthright. Out of desperation and starvation Esau agreed to exchange his
birthright for a bowl of stew. When the time came for Isaac who was now an old man to give his
blessing on his sons, Jacob and his mother decided to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob in Esau’s
place. Once Esau found that Jacob had deceived Isaac and that his blessing had been given to
Jacob, he threatened to kill his brother, and Jacob fled. It was not until years later that the two
brothers reconciled and became a family once again.
The story of David and Goliath found in first Samuel chapter seventeen is an excellent
example of conflict between men. During battle between the Philistine and Israelites Goliath
would come out each day for forty days mocking and challenging the Israelites to face and fight
him. A young Sheppard boy named David was sent to the front lines to bring his father back
news of his brothers. David having seen the Goliath did not understand why the men were so
afraid of this man. David volunteered to fight the Goliath, and after much persuasion to King
Saul he finally agreed. Turning down King Saul’s armor David approached Goliath with a
