Divisions in the church are addressed in the Bible, which encourages unity and peace among believers. While disagreements may arise, scripture emphasizes resolving them with love and humility. Here’s how the Bible guides us through conflict in faith.
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What Does The Bible Say About Church Splits
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
This verse emphasizes the importance of unity within the church. Divisions and splits can hinder the effectiveness and witness of the body of Christ. It calls for believers to seek agreement, unity, and harmony in their thoughts, actions, and speech.
When a church experiences splits, it is important to remember this verse and strive for reconciliation and unity. It is through unity that the church can effectively fulfill its purpose and impact the world for Christ.
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
This verse stresses the need to actively work towards maintaining unity within the body of Christ. When faced with church splits, believers should prioritize peace and strive to resolve conflicts in a manner that promotes unity.
Keeping the unity of the Spirit requires humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to seeking reconciliation. It is through maintaining unity that the church can experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s work.
Galatians 5:15
If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
This verse serves as a warning against allowing divisions and conflicts to escalate within the church. Bitterness, resentment, and destructive behavior can lead to the spiritual and emotional destruction of individuals and the church as a whole.
Church splits often stem from unresolved conflicts and unhealthy communication. Believers must be vigilant in guarding against such destructive behaviors and seek to promote love, peace, and reconciliation.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
This verse underscores the importance of forgiveness within the church. In the face of church splits, it is crucial for believers to extend grace and forgiveness towards one another.
Forgiveness is a reflection of God’s love and mercy, and it plays a vital role in fostering reconciliation and healing within the body of Christ. It requires humility, empathy, and a genuine desire for restoration.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
This verse encourages believers to prioritize humility and selflessness in their interactions with one another. Selfishness and pride can contribute to the division within the church.
In the face of church splits, it is essential for individuals to set aside personal agendas and ego, and instead, value the needs and well-being of others above their own. This mindset fosters unity, cooperation, and harmony within the body of Christ.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
This verse highlights the need for believers to cultivate an attitude of humility and inclusivity within the church. Avoiding pride and prejudice is crucial in preventing and healing church splits.
Believers should strive to create an environment where individuals of all backgrounds and positions feel valued and respected. This promotes unity and allows the body of Christ to function harmoniously.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
This verse encourages believers to adopt a mindset of unity and empathy. In the midst of church splits, it is important to remember the importance of being like-minded, compassionate, and humble.
By demonstrating love and sympathy towards one another, believers can work towards reconciliation, bridge gaps, and promote healing. Unity can be fostered through genuine care and consideration for one another.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
This verse highlights the importance of true friendship and brotherhood within the church. In the face of church splits, true friends and brothers are invaluable in supporting and remaining steadfast in times of adversity.
Friendships and brotherly relationships founded on love, loyalty, and trust can serve as a powerful force in overcoming conflicts and revitalizing the unity of the church.
Proverbs 18:19
An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
This verse paints a vivid depiction of the consequences of offense and unresolved disputes within the church. Church splits often arise from offenses that are left unaddressed and disputes that are not resolved.
It is crucial for believers to prioritize reconciliation and seek resolution, rather than allowing barriers and divisions to grow stronger. Addressing offenses and disputes with humility and grace is key to preventing and healing church splits.
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
This verse provides practical wisdom in dealing with conflicts and divisions. It urges believers to approach disagreements with humility, patience, and self-control.
By actively practicing these virtues, the church can create an environment that fosters healthy dialogue and promotes understanding, reducing the likelihood of church splits.
Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
This verse beautifully captures the beauty and significance of unity within the body of Christ. It highlights how unity among God’s people brings about goodness and pleasantness.
When church splits occur, it is essential to remember the value and desirability of living in unity, promoting forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration.
Hebrews 13:17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
This verse reminds believers of the importance of honoring and respecting the leadership within the church. In times of church splits, it is crucial to maintain a posture of submission and respect towards those in authority.
By supporting and cooperating with the leaders, believers contribute to the health and effectiveness of the church. Unity can be restored and strengthened through mutual trust and cooperation between leaders and congregation.
Titus 3:9-11
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
This passage cautions against engaging in pointless and divisive arguments within the church. It advises believers to prioritize avoiding unnecessary controversies and quarrels that do not bear fruit.
In the face of church splits, it may be necessary to confront those who consistently sow division and create strife. Though challenging, this approach seeks to protect the unity and well-being of the church.
Matthew 5:23-24
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
This verse emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and resolving conflicts within the church. It instructs believers to prioritize healing broken relationships and seeking forgiveness before offering their worship to God.
In the midst of church splits, this verse serves as a reminder that personal reconciliation is an essential step towards restoring unity within the body of Christ.
Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
This passage provides a framework for addressing conflicts and disputes within the church. It guides believers in seeking resolution through a progressive series of steps, with the ultimate goal of restoring unity.
Church splits can be avoided or mitigated if conflicts are addressed promptly, privately, and with the intention of reconciliation. The involvement of responsible witnesses and the church community can provide accountability and guidance in the process.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servants must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
This verse advises believers to avoid engaging in pointless and divisive arguments. Quarrels and disputes hinder unity and effectiveness within the church.
Instead, those who serve the Lord should embody kindness, humility, and patience. This approach can help prevent church splits and foster an environment of peace and reconciliation.
Romans 16:17-18
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.
This passage warns against individuals who sow divisions and promote false teachings within the church. Believers are encouraged to be discerning and cautious in order to protect the unity and purity of the body of Christ.
By recognizing and distancing themselves from divisive individuals, the church can guard against church splits and maintain its focus on the true teachings of Christ.
Matthew 12:25
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”
These words of Jesus emphasize the destructive nature of division within any social unit, including the church. A church split undermines the strength and stability of the body of Christ.
It is essential for believers to actively pursue and maintain unity, recognizing its vital role in the effectiveness and witness of the church. A united front promotes spiritual growth, discipleship, and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Psalm 133:3
It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
This verse depicts the blessings that come with unity among God’s people. A church that remains united, despite differences and challenges, experiences the outpouring of God’s blessings.
In the midst of church splits, it is important to recognize the importance of unity and actively pursue reconciliation. By doing so, believers position themselves to receive the abundant blessings God has in store for His people.
Matthew 18:19-20
Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
This verse highlights the power of agreement and unity in prayer. When believers come together with one heart and mind, seeking God’s will, their prayers are powerful and effective.
Church splits can hinder this collective prayer power. Therefore, it becomes crucial for believers to actively pursue reconciliation and unity, knowing that when they gather as one in Christ’s name, He is present, ready to bring healing and unity to the church.
Psalm 133:2
It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.
This verse uses a vivid image to symbolize the beauty and significance of unity within the body of Christ. Just as the anointing oil flowed from the head of Aaron, unity flows down and covers the entire body of believers.
In times of church splits, it is important to remember this image and pursue unity that extends beyond personal preferences and differences. Unity is a precious gift that enriches and blesses the entire body of Christ.
John 17:20-21
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
These words of Jesus express His desire for unity among believers. Unity within the church is not just for the benefit of believers themselves but also serves as a testimony to the world, validating the message of Christ.
Church splits can damage this witness and hinder the effectiveness of evangelism. Therefore, believers should be motivated to pursue reconciliation and unity, knowing that their Christ-centered unity has a powerful impact on the world.
1 John 4:20-21
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
This passage emphasizes the inseparable connection between love for God and love for fellow believers. A true love for God manifests in a genuine love for His children.
In the midst of church splits, it is essential for believers to examine their hearts and ensure that they are motivated by love, seeking reconciliation and unity. Love is the pathway to healing and restoration within the body of Christ.