Religion peace and conflict quotes

Violence and Conflict

  • Joel 3:9–11 – “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.”

  • Joshua 8:1 – “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai.”

  • Matthew 5:43–44 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

  • Psalm 18:37–39 – “I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed… You armed me with strength for battle.”

  • Micah 4:3 – “Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

  • Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Peace and Peacemaking

  • Matthew 5:38–42 – “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also.”

  • Matthew 5:43–44 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

  • Matthew 9:9 – “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.”

  • Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

  • Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

  • Matthew 18:35 – “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

  • Psalm 11:7 – “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.”

  • Amos 5:21 – “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.”

Challenges for Religion

  • Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.”

  • Psalm 139:13 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”