Cliques can form anywhere, even within the church, leading to division and exclusion. What does the Bible say about such behavior in the body of Christ? Scripture encourages unity, love, and inclusion, urging believers to treat one another as equal members of God’s family.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Humiliating Others
What Does The Bible Say About Cliques In The Church
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 body of Christ. It calls for believers to speak with one voice and to be united in their thinking. Divisions and cliques in the church can hinder the work of God and create disunity among believers. Therefore, it is crucial for Christians to strive for unity, setting aside their personal preferences and differences for the sake of Christ and His mission.
James 2:1
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Showing favoritism within the church is a clear sign of cliques forming. This verse challenges believers to treat everyone equally and not to show partiality based on external factors such as wealth, status, or appearance. In the body of Christ, all believers are equal and should be treated with love and respect. Letting go of cliques and favoritism allows the church to function as a unified and inclusive community, reflecting the heart of Christ.
Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
This verse reminds us that in Christ, all believers are equal regardless of their cultural or social backgrounds. It dismantles the divisions that often lead to cliques forming within the church. As followers of Christ, we are called to look beyond external differences and embrace the unity we have in Him. By doing so, we break down the walls that separate us and create a space where all believers can thrive and grow together in love and unity.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
As believers, we are called to cultivate an atmosphere of love and compassion within the church. This verse challenges us to be like-minded, putting aside our personal agendas and desires, and embodying humility and empathy towards one another. When cliques form, they often promote exclusivity and hinder genuine care for others. However, by following this exhortation, we can create a church community where everyone feels valued, supported, and included, ultimately bringing glory to God.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.
This verse encourages believers to adopt a mindset of humility and selflessness. When cliques form, selfish ambition and pride tend to take precedence, leading to exclusion and disregard for others. However, Paul urges us to value others above ourselves, considering their needs and preferences before our own. By adopting this attitude, we can break down the walls of cliques and create an environment where everyone feels valued and loved for who they are in Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
This analogy highlights the interconnectedness of believers within the body of Christ. Each member is unique and has a valuable role to play. When cliques form, it often leads to exclusion and the neglect of certain members within the church. However, when we recognize the importance of every individual and their contribution to the body, we can celebrate our diversity and work together harmoniously, creating a church that is united and functioning effectively for the glory of God.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
This verse calls for believers to have a genuine and selfless love for one another. It challenges us to prioritize the well-being and honor of fellow believers above our own interests. Cliques often form when individuals become more focused on their own desires rather than the needs of others. However, when we cultivate a spirit of devotion and honor towards one another, cliques dissolve, and a culture of compassion and unity flourishes within the church.
John 15:12
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Jesus sets the standard for love within the church, and it is His love that should guide our interactions with one another. Cliques often form when love is lacking or is conditional based on certain criteria. However, by obeying Jesus’ command to love one another as He loved us, we break down the barriers that cliques create. Letting His love fill our hearts enables us to embrace and accept all believers, irrespective of their differences, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment within the church.
Colossians 3:14
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Love is the unifying force that binds all other virtues together. It is through love that we can overcome the divisions and cliques that may arise within the church. When love is prioritized, forgiveness, humility, and selflessness become the hallmarks of our interactions. Love enables us to see past our differences and embrace the common purpose we share as followers of Christ, fostering a sense of perfect unity within the body of believers.
Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
These verses emphasize the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience in maintaining unity within the church. Cliques often stem from pride, harshness, and impatience towards others. However, by embodying Christ-like characteristics and making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, we create an environment where cliques are replaced with genuine love, understanding, and peace among believers, allowing the church to effectively fulfill its mission.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
This proverb highlights the value of genuine friendship and brotherhood within the church. Cliques can isolate individuals and exclude them from experiencing the support and love of fellow believers. However, by cultivating a culture of friendship that loves at all times, we provide a safe space for everyone within the church community. True friends and brothers are there through both joyful and challenging times, demonstrating the love of Christ and encouraging one another in their faith journey.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Encouragement is a powerful antidote to cliques within the church. This verse exhorts believers to uplift and build each other up. Cliques, by their nature, often discourage and exclude certain individuals. However, when we intentionally seek to encourage one another, we create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and included. Encouragement fosters unity and breaks down the walls that cliques build, allowing the church to flourish in its collective mission and glorify God in all things.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
These verses emphasize the importance of regular fellowship and mutual encouragement within the church. Cliques often lead individuals to isolate themselves from the larger body of believers. However, when we actively seek to spur one another on, share in fellowship, and encourage each other in love and good deeds, we dismantle the barriers that cliques create. By remaining committed to meeting together and supporting one another, we strengthen the bonds of unity, allowing the church to thrive and be a beacon of hope in the world.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
This verse reminds believers of the power and presence of Christ when they come together in His name. Cliques often isolate individuals and hinder the collective experience of God’s presence. However, when we gather together, putting aside our differences, and seeking unity, Christ is in our midst. By focusing on His presence and embracing the fellowship of believers, we break down the walls of cliques, experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing and empowerment in the church.
Romans 15:5-6
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These verses highlight the need for believers to have the same attitude of mind as Christ towards one another. Cliques often arise from selfish desires and divisive attitudes. However, when we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our minds and align them with the mind of Christ, we foster unity within the church. With one mind and one voice, we can then collectively glorify God and fulfill our purpose. It is through the unity that God gives that cliques are dissolved, and the church becomes a powerful instrument for His kingdom.
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 encourages believers to live in harmony with one another, setting aside pride and conceit. Cliques often form when individuals seek to associate only with people of similar status or popularity. However, in the body of Christ, we are called to embrace everyone, including those who may be considered of low position or status. By doing so, we create an environment where inclusivity and harmony prevail, and where cliques are replaced with genuine love and acceptance.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ has given them. However, cliques often arise when individuals use their freedom for selfish gain or self-indulgence. This verse reminds us that true freedom is found in serving one another humbly in love. By putting aside our personal desires and preferences, we create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and cherished. Serving one another with a heart of love allows us to break free from the confines of cliques and live in the fullness of God’s purpose for the church.
Titus 3:2
to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
These verses provide a blueprint for our conduct within the church community. Cliques often foster gossip, slander, and an absence of gentleness. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. By speaking well of others, promoting peace, exercising consideration, and practicing gentleness, we create an environment where cliques have no place. When love and respect become the foundation of our interactions, unity and harmony prevail, reflecting the character of Christ to the world.
1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
This verse reminds believers of the deep and sacrificial love that God has shown us through Christ. Cliques often stem from a lack of love and understanding towards others. However, when we grasp the depth of God’s love for us, we are compelled to love one another in the same way. By extending this love to all, we break down the walls of cliques, creating a church community where love prevails over division, and where all believers feel embraced and valued.
Hebrews 13:1
Let mutual love continue.
This straightforward command encourages believers to maintain a spirit of mutual love within the church. Cliques often arise when love becomes conditional or limited to a select few. However, when we prioritize mutual love, it becomes a guiding principle in all our interactions. This love seeks the well-being and flourishing of others, setting aside personal preferences and biases. When mutual love continues to flow within the church, cliques lose their hold, and unity thrives, allowing the body of Christ to fulfill its mission in the world.
John 13:34-35
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.
Jesus presents the foundational command to love one another within the church. Cliques often create an environment where love is lacking or conditional. However, by following Christ’s example and loving one another selflessly, we become a powerful testimony to the world of our identity as His disciples. When love becomes the hallmark of the church, cliques fade away, and the transformative power of the Gospel is evident in how we relate to one another, attracting others to the love and grace of Christ.
John 17:23
I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Jesus prayed for complete unity among believers, emphasizing its significance in reflecting God’s love to the world. Cliques hinder this unity and distort the perception of Christ’s love. However, by breaking down the barriers that divide us, embracing diversity, and seeking a complete unity rooted in Christ, we become a powerful testimony to the world. When unity prevails over cliques, the love of God shines brightly, drawing others to the truth of the Gospel and the transforming power of Christ’s love.
Acts 2:46
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
This verse portrays the early church’s commitment to fellowship and community. Cliques disrupt the spirit of togetherness and genuine joy found in unity. However, when believers prioritize gathering together, breaking bread, and sharing life, cliques dissolve. By fostering an environment of joyful and sincere hearts, we create a church where all believers feel welcomed and connected, free from the barriers that cliques impose. Together, we can celebrate the goodness of God and bear witness to His love and saving grace.