Unity is essential for strong relationships and communities. Today, we will discover what the Bible says about disunity and how to foster harmony according to God’s Word.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Avoidance
What Does The Bible Say About Disunity
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 among believers. It calls for agreement in speech and the absence of divisions within the body of Christ. Unity is not merely superficial, but an alignment of mind and thought, reflecting a shared purpose and understanding.
Disunity weakens the witness of the Church and hinders its effectiveness in fulfilling God’s purposes. Christians are called to pursue unity, not uniformity, by seeking common ground in the teachings of Christ and putting aside divisive agendas or personal preferences.
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to be united in their thinking and attitude. Like-mindedness implies shared values, goals, and perspectives, all grounded in the love of Christ. Unity of spirit and mind fosters harmony and cooperation within the body of Christ.
Disunity often arises from selfish ambition and pride. By imitating Christ’s humility and selflessness, believers can overcome their differences and work towards a common purpose, putting the needs of others before their own.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Unity is not only a command but also a blessing. This verse from Psalms highlights the goodness and pleasantness that comes from believers dwelling together in harmony. Unity within the community of believers creates an environment where God’s presence is experienced and His purposes are fulfilled.
A spirit of unity attracts others and becomes a testimony of God’s love and power. Christians are called to be peacemakers and bridge builders, seeking reconciliation and unity in all aspects of life.
Colossians 3:13-14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Instructions given to the Colossian believers, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love in maintaining unity within the body of Christ. Bearing with one another and forgiving grievances echoes the grace and forgiveness we have received from the Lord.
Love is the ultimate bond that holds all virtues together in perfect unity. When believers cultivate a heart of love and extend forgiveness to one another, they create an atmosphere of reconciliation, restoration, and unity within the church.
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 uses imagery to illustrate the blessing that comes with unity. The dew of Hermon, a high mountain, symbolizes refreshment and provision, while Mount Zion represents the dwelling place of God. When God’s people are in unity, His blessings flow abundantly.
Unity among believers aligns with God’s heart for His children. It opens the way for His presence and the fullness of His blessings to be experienced. In unity, believers become vessels through which the world can witness the life-transforming power of God.
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Paul urges believers to be proactive in maintaining the unity of the Spirit. Unity is not something that happens automatically; it requires effort and intentional actions. The bond of peace is the key to preserving unity within the body of Christ.
When conflicts arise, believers are called to seek peaceful resolution and reconciliation, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By fostering an environment of peace and harmony, believers can uphold the unity that Christ desires for His Church.
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.”
Harmony among believers requires humility and a willingness to embrace diversity. Pride and conceit hinder unity, while humility opens the door to genuine fellowship and understanding with people from all walks of life.
Living in harmony means valuing and respecting one another, regardless of social standing or differences. As believers, we are called to build bridges and create an inclusive community that reflects the love and acceptance of Christ.
John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus identifies love as the distinguishing mark of His disciples. Genuine love for one another in the body of Christ testifies to the world that we belong to Him. Love unifies and transcends differences, allowing Christ’s love to flow through us.
When believers display Christ-like love, it becomes a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel. Love bridges the gaps, mends divisions, and attracts others to the authentic fellowship found in a united community of believers.
Psalm 68:6
“God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
This verse highlights God’s desire for unity and belonging. He brings the lonely into families, providing a sense of community and support. Those who rebel against unity and live in disobedience find themselves in a place of spiritual dryness and isolation.
God’s design is for His people to experience the richness of authentic fellowship, where unity and love prevail. As believers embrace their place in God’s family, they can find healing, restoration, and a sense of belonging that reflects the unity found within the Trinity.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
Peter exhorts believers to cultivate qualities that promote unity within the body of Christ. Like-mindedness, sympathy, love, compassion, and humility are all essential for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering unity.
Unity is not achieved through mere agreement of opinions but through a genuine care and concern for one another. As believers extend compassion and humility towards one another, unity is fortified and the Church becomes a place of refuge, healing, and restoration.
Romans 15:5
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
Paul prays for believers to have the same attitude of mind that Christ Jesus possessed. Christ’s mindset was one of selflessness, humility, and sacrificial love. When believers adopt His mindset, they can navigate disagreements and conflicts with grace and love.
God, who is the source of endurance and encouragement, empowers His people to cultivate a Christ-like attitude towards one another, fostering unity and fostering a spirit of cooperation and harmony within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 6:19
“A false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
A person who stirs up conflict and dissension within the community disrupts unity and undermines the body of Christ. This verse emphasizes the destructive nature of discord and warns against being a false witness, spreading lies that sow division.
Believers are called to be peacemakers and to pursue righteousness. Recognizing the detrimental impact of conflict, Christians should actively promote harmony, reconciliation, and a spirit of unity within the Church and beyond.
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
Starting a quarrel has the potential to unleash a flood of division and strife, which can be difficult to contain. This verse advises believers to exercise wisdom and restraint by letting go of conflicts before they escalate into full-blown disputes.
Choosing to drop contentious matters, seeking peace and reconciliation over proving oneself right, contributes to maintaining the unity of the body of Christ. It demonstrates humility and a commitment to prioritizing relationships over personal pride.
Mark 3:25
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
This verse, spoken by Jesus, underscores the destructive nature of disunity. Just as a divided house cannot stand, a divided community or church cannot fulfill its purpose or effectively impact the world for Christ.
Believers are called to guard against division and prioritize unity. By valuing and actively pursuing unity, the Church becomes a powerful force that reflects the love, peace, and oneness found in the triune God.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
This verse encourages believers to practice mutual submission, recognizing the value and worth of one another as children of God. Submission is not about hierarchy or control but about humility and deference to the needs and perspectives of others.
When believers submit to one another, unity is fostered, and the body of Christ functions harmoniously. Reverence for Christ serves as the foundation for this submission, as we submit to His example of selfless love and servant leadership.
Hebrews 13:1
“Let mutual love continue.”
This verse exhorts believers to allow mutual love to persist and thrive within the community of believers. Love that is shared, experienced, and reciprocated fosters unity and strengthens the bonds of fellowship.
Mutual love requires intentional efforts to build relationships, serve one another, and prioritize unity above personal preferences and agendas. When love permeates the body of Christ, it becomes a powerful testimony of God’s love to the world.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Love is the glue that holds believers together, covering over faults and offenses. Deep love for one another allows for forgiveness and reconciliation, preventing disunity from taking root within the body of Christ.
This verse underscores the redemptive power of love, showing that it has the ability to heal wounds and restore broken relationships. The depth of love displayed within the Christian community should be a witness to the unconditional love and grace of God.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
The fruit of the Spirit encompasses qualities that promote unity within the body of Christ. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all contribute to maintaining healthy relationships and fostering a spirit of unity.
As believers yield to the Holy Spirit, allowing these fruits to mature in their lives, the Church becomes a place of authentic fellowship, where unity flourishes and the character of Christ is reflected in the interactions between believers.
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.”
In Christ, all believers are united and equal, regardless of ethnic, social, or gender differences. This verse emphasizes the radical inclusiveness of the Gospel, breaking down dividing walls and calling for unity in diversity.
Rather than dwelling on differences or creating divisions, believers are called to celebrate the unique contributions each individual brings to the body of Christ. Unity springs from recognizing and valuing the inherent worth and equal standing of all believers in Christ.
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.”
Loving one another within the body of Christ is a tangible expression of our love for God. The absence of love towards fellow believers contradicts our claims of love for God. To truly love God is to love His children.
Believers are called to examine their hearts and align their actions with love, avoiding hatred, bitterness, and division. Loving one another as Christ loved us promotes unity and facilitates a powerful witness to the transformative love of God.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
This passage uses the analogy of the body to illustrate the interconnectedness and unity of believers in Christ. Each believer contributes unique gifts and talents, yet all are part of the same body, united by the Holy Spirit.
Regardless of ethnic or social differences, all believers are unified in Christ. Recognizing the diversity of gifts within the body of believers fosters mutual appreciation and cooperation, leading to a unified and effective expression of the Church’s mission.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Peacemaking is a central aspect of maintaining unity within the body of Christ. Those who actively pursue peace and work towards resolving conflicts and divisions reflect the character of God and are identified as His children.
Peacemakers seek to promote understanding, foster reconciliation, and restore broken relationships within the church. By imitating Christ’s role as the ultimate peacemaker, believers can contribute to a culture of unity, love, and harmony.
Psalm 122:1
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.'”
This verse expresses the joy and anticipation of gathering together as God’s people. A unified community of believers should be characterized by excitement and joy at the prospect of coming into God’s presence and worshiping Him together.
Believers are called to prioritize fellowship and unity, valuing the corporate worship and the shared experience of being part of God’s family. As they gather in unity, the presence of God is made manifest, and His purposes are fulfilled.