A Biblical Response to Conflict

It was a chilly January morning in Minnesota. Believers gathered in the warm, familiar sanctuary of Cities Church in St. Paul. The soft morning light filtered through stained glass as worship wrapped up, and Pastor Jonathan Parnell stepped into the pulpit. His voice was steady and calm as he prayed… not realizing soon his congregation would be thrust into chaos.

After praying, he noticed a large group of people had joined the congregation.

“She needs some more seats,” you can hear him tell someone on Don Lemon’s live broadcast. “We do have some seats available in the sides here. There are a few seats up here as well.” He stops for a second, then begins his message, “The gospel of John…”

“Excuse me, pastor,” a woman yells. “You say that you asked the Lord to [unintelligible] your house? The pastor is the Director of ICE. Justice for…”

“Renee Good,” dozens of protestors respond.

Chaos breaks out. Whistles, Shouting. Cursing. “This ain’t God’s house! This is the house of the devil!”

A few congregants fled. Others sat to wait it out. Some tried to reach their children in Children’s Church, while others chronicled the event on their phones or prayed for calm. A little boy in the congregation cried as his father tried to comfort him.

The scene has been plastered all over television and social media for weeks… and in the middle of it, a lot of Christians couldn’t help but ask: How can we have courage while afraid?

Finding Courage While Afraid: Standing Firm in God’s Love

As the echoes of protest chants have faded in the last few weeks, but it’s still easy to feel shaken, even afraid. How would you respond if the very place you go to worship, to find peace and encouragement, becomes a scene of conflict? How can you find courage when afraid of what surrounds you?

The good news is that the Bible offers us powerful guidance on this very question. It acknowledges the reality of fear but encourages us to find courage—not by ignoring our fears—but by trusting God’s presence and promises.

Deborah’s Example

One of the most inspiring stories of courage while afraid in the Bible is found in Judges 4, where Deborah, a prophetess and judge, leads Israel during a time of crisis. The Israelites were oppressed by King Jabin of Canaan, and fear gripped the people.

Deborah’s story speaks directly to anyone facing intimidation or conflict:

• She Listened to God’s Call. Deborah didn’t wait for a perfect moment. When God called her to lead, she stepped forward, trusting His guidance.
• She Encouraged Others. She rallied Barak, a military leader, to have faith and fight, reminding him that victory came from God, not human strength alone.
• She Stood Boldly. Despite the danger and uncertainty, Deborah led Israel to a victorious battle, demonstrating that courage rooted in God can overcome fearsome odds.

This story reminds us that courage is not about having no fear. It’s about acting in faith despite that fear because God is with us.

What Does the Bible Say About Fear and Courage?

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly tells His people, “Do not fear.” Here are some verses that might encourage you when fear feels overwhelming:

• Isaiah 41:10 — “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7 — “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

These verses don’t promise a life free from fear, but they assure us that God’s presence gives us strength and boldness to face whatever comes.

Practical Steps for Finding Courage While Afraid

Whether from external threats like protests or internal struggles like doubt—here are some faith-based steps to help you find courage in the midst of fear:

• Anchor Yourself in God’s Word – Regularly read and meditate on Scriptures like those above. Let them remind you daily that God is your refuge and strength.
• Pray Honestly and Boldly – Bring your fears to God in prayer. Ask for peace and courage. Remember how Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), expressing His fears to the Father yet trusting His will.
• Lean on Your Church Family – Just as Deborah worked alongside Barak and the Israelites, we are meant to support one another. Share your fears and pray together.
• Focus on Love – Pastor Parnell’s sermon on “love one another” is key. Love is a powerful antidote to fear. When we choose to love—even those who oppose us—we reflect Christ’s heart and find strength beyond our own.
• Remember God’s Sovereignty – Nothing happens outside God’s control. Even difficult situations work together for good (Romans 8:28). Trusting God’s plan can help calm anxious hearts.

Where Is God Calling You to Courage?

The disruption at Cities Church is a powerful reminder that the call for you to have courage while afraid is not theoretical. It’s practical and urgent. You might not face a protest in your sanctuary, but fear shows up in many ways—fear of rejection, failure, loneliness, or the unknown.

Consider where God might be asking you to stand firm. Maybe it’s in speaking truth gently, loving your neighbors, or simply trusting God through a tough season. Like Deborah, you don’t need perfect confidence—just a willing heart.

Standing Strong in God’s Love: A Closing Word

The events at Cities Church remind us that fear and opposition will come, even in places devoted to worship and peace. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher courage—a courage rooted not in our own strength but in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

Remember Jesus’ words in John 13:34-35, the very passage Pastor Parnell preached from that morning…

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35 (NIV)

It’s love that equips us to face fear and conflict with grace and boldness. Love compels us to stand firm, to forgive, and to seek peace even when it feels impossible.

A Prayer for Courage

Lord, in moments of fear and uncertainty, help us to remember that You are with us. Fill our hearts with Your peace and courage. Teach us to love as You love—without fear, without hesitation. Strengthen us to stand firm in our faith and the courage to be a light in the darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Invitation to Reflect

– Where in your life do you feel fear holding you back?

– How can you lean into God’s promises of courage and strength today?

– Who in your community might you encourage with a word or a prayer?

Facing fear is never easy, but with God’s love as our foundation, we can find courage while afraid to move forward. Like Deborah, like Pastor Parnell, like the early church, we are called to be brave—not because we have no fear, but because God’s perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

Keep Learning

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