Division is a pervasive problem in our world, causing strife and discord among individuals and communities. The Bible, however, provides guidance on fostering unity and healing division.
These verses remind us of the importance of love, humility, and reconciliation in the face of division. By embracing these principles, we can work towards building bridges, mending relationships, and creating a harmonious society.
Let’s explore these verses that challenge us to seek unity and overcome division through the power of God’s love.
Bible Verses About Division
Matthew 12:25
“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the destructive nature of division. When unity is replaced by internal strife and conflict, any entity—be it a kingdom, city, or household—becomes vulnerable to downfall.
Mark 3:25
“And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
Jesus reiterates the principle of unity in this verse, emphasizing that a divided house will inevitably collapse. Harmony and agreement within a household are essential for its strength and stability.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
The Apostle Paul urges the believers in Corinth to strive for unity in faith. He emphasizes the importance of speaking in agreement, avoiding divisions, and being united in purpose and understanding.
Romans 16:17
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”
Paul warns the Roman believers to be cautious of individuals who promote divisions and controversies, deviating from the teachings they have received. He encourages them to distance themselves from such people to maintain unity.
1 Corinthians 12:25
“That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.”
Paul emphasizes the need for unity within the body of Christ, the Church. Each member should care for one another, avoiding divisions or splits that can harm the overall functioning and witness of the body.
Acts 20:30
“Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”
Paul, during his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, warns them of the emergence of divisive individuals within the Church. He cautions that these individuals will attempt to lead disciples astray for their own gain, urging the elders to remain vigilant.
1 Corinthians 3:3
“For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their divisions, attributing them to their carnal and immature state. He reminds them that envy, strife, and divisions are characteristics of worldly behavior and should not be present among believers.
Titus 3:10
“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition.”
Titus is instructed by Paul to reject a person who repeatedly promotes divisions after being warned. This instruction emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and avoiding those who persistently sow discord.
Galatians 5:20
“Idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies.”
Paul lists dissensions as one of the works of the flesh in this verse. Divisions arise when people prioritize their own desires, opinions, and agendas above unity and love for one another.
Ephesians 4:3
“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Believers are urged to make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit, which binds them together in peace. Unity is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work and should be cherished and protected by believers.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
In this passage, division is condemned as one of the abominable things to the Lord. God despises those who sow discord among brothers and sisters, emphasizing the importance of unity and love within the community of believers.
James 3:16
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
James warns about the destructive consequences of envy and self-centeredness. These attitudes can lead to confusion and give rise to all kinds of evil. Such divisive behaviors hinder the growth and well-being of the community.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Burdens (With Commentary)
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
This psalm celebrates the beauty and desirability of unity among brothers and sisters. Dwelling together in harmony and peace is not only good but also brings pleasure to God and the community.
Philippians 2:2
“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
Paul encourages the Philippian believers to bring him joy by maintaining like-mindedness, unity of love, and being in harmony and agreement with one another. This unity of purpose and spirit strengthens the bonds among believers.
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore, stop contention before a quarrel starts.”
This proverb warns about the escalating nature of strife. Just as a small leak can lead to a flood, a tiny argument can quickly escalate into a full-blown quarrel. The verse advises avoiding contention and resolving conflicts before they escalate.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”
Peter encourages believers to be unified in their thinking and to show compassion, brotherly love, tenderheartedness, and courtesy to one another. These attitudes and actions promote unity and strengthen relationships within the Christian community.
Matthew 18:15
“Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
Jesus provides instructions on how to handle offenses within the community of believers. Instead of fostering divisions and spreading gossip, individuals are encouraged to address issues privately and seek reconciliation.
Romans 16:17-18
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Paul reiterates the warning against individuals who promote divisions and offenses. He emphasizes the need to identify and avoid those who deviate from the true teachings of Christ, as their motivations are self-serving and deceptive.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19
“For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.”
Paul addresses the issue of divisions within the Corinthian church. He acknowledges that factions may arise to distinguish between those who truly follow Christ and those who engage in divisive behaviors. These divisions serve as a means to reveal true discipleship.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Paul emphasizes the unity that believers have in Christ, irrespective of their social or cultural differences. In Christ, there is no room for divisions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender. All are equally valuable and unified in the body of Christ.
Psalm 133:3
“It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forevermore.”
The psalmist compares the unity among brethren to the refreshing dew that descends on the mountains. Unity is not only pleasant but also brings about God’s blessing, symbolized by the life-giving dew.
Romans 12:16
“Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
Paul advises believers to have a humble and unified mindset towards one another. They should avoid arrogance and pride, seeking harmony rather than pursuing lofty positions or holding rigid personal opinions.
1 Corinthians 10:17
“For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”
Paul highlights the unity of believers as one body in Christ. Just as many grains make up one loaf of bread, diverse individuals make up the unified body of Christ, sharing in the common bond of fellowship.
Ephesians 4:13
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
Paul envisions the goal of unity, emphasizing that believers should strive to attain a collective maturity in faith and knowledge of Christ. Unity, founded on a shared faith and understanding, leads to spiritual growth and Christ-likeness.
Acts 2:46
“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.”
This verse describes the early Christian community’s devotion to fellowship and unity. Believers gathered together in unity, worshiped in the temple, and shared meals with joy and sincerity, exemplifying the importance of communal harmony.
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”
Paul reminds the Corinthians that God’s nature is not one of chaos and confusion but of peace. This serves as a call to maintain order and harmony in the churches, reflecting the character of God.
Colossians 3:14
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Paul instructs believers to prioritize love, which serves as the bond of perfection, binding everything together in perfect unity. Love enables believers to overcome divisions and fosters a spirit of unity in the body of Christ.
These Bible verses about division highlight the importance of unity, the dangers of division, and the need for believers to actively pursue peace, love, and harmony within the community of faith. May these verses and commentaries inspire and encourage you in your journey of understanding and practicing unity among believers.