Divisions can cause conflict, but the Bible encourages unity. Today, we’ll see what God’s Word says about overcoming divisions.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Division Of Labor
What Does The Bible Say About Divisions
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 encourages believers to strive for unity in the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of being united in mind and thought. Paul urges the Corinthians to set aside their differences and come together in agreement, rejecting divisions that can hinder the effectiveness of the church.
It reminds us that as Christians, we are called to find common ground and work towards building a strong and unified community, focusing on shared beliefs and the love of Christ rather than allowing divisions to tear us apart.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of gossip and division. It teaches us that love involves covering up offenses rather than spreading them, recognizing the importance of preserving relationships and avoiding unnecessary divisions.
Instead of participating in gossip or fueling divisions, we are called to extend grace and seek reconciliation, fostering an environment of forgiveness and unity in our relationships.
Romans 16:17
“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.”
Paul warns the believers in Rome to be discerning and cautious of those who cause divisions and promote teachings that contradict the truth. By separating from such individuals, believers can protect the unity of the church and uphold the purity of biblical teachings.
This verse reminds us to be vigilant in maintaining sound doctrine and to distance ourselves from individuals who, through their actions and teachings, create division and hinder the spiritual growth of the body of Christ.
Galatians 5:20-21
“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These verses present a list of behaviors and attitudes that contribute to divisions and separation within the community of believers. Paul emphasizes that individuals who engage in such actions are not fit to inherit the kingdom of God.
It serves as a strong warning against allowing sin and worldly desires to create divisions, urging us to live in a manner that promotes unity, love, and holiness, aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ.
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to actively work towards maintaining unity within the body of Christ. It calls for intentional efforts to preserve the bond of peace that the Holy Spirit brings, recognizing its importance in fostering a harmonious and effective community.
As members of God’s family, we are called to prioritize unity, seeking reconciliation and cultivating an atmosphere of love and understanding, striving to build bridges rather than barriers.
Proverbs 18:19
“A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.”
This verse highlights the difficulty and barriers that arise when divisions and disputes occur among brothers and sisters in Christ. It stresses the importance of resolving conflicts and seeking forgiveness to prevent further divisions and stubbornness.
It reminds us of the need for humility, open communication, and a willingness to reconcile in order to break down the barriers that divisions can create, promoting a spirit of unity and understanding.
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This verse exposes the root causes of divisions within the church: envy and selfish ambition. It warns that such attitudes lead to disorder and the proliferation of evil practices.
It reminds us to examine our hearts and motives, avoiding jealousy and self-centeredness, which often fuel divisions. Instead, we should embrace humility, serving one another and prioritizing the unity and well-being of the entire body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:25
“So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of each member of the body of Christ having equal concern for one another, promoting unity and preventing divisions. It underscores the interdependence and mutual care that should characterize the church.
It challenges us to value the unique contributions of every believer, promoting an environment where all members are valued and cared for, fostering unity and discouraging divisions based on status or personal preferences.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and desirability of unity among God’s people. It acknowledges the goodness and pleasantness that results when believers come together in harmony, setting aside divisions for the sake of fellowship and common purpose.
It reminds us of the importance of unity as a testimony to the world, reflecting the love and power of Christ in our relationships and drawing others to the transformative message of the Gospel.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus prays for the unity of believers, highlighting its impact on the world’s understanding of God’s love and Christ’s mission. Unity is presented as a means for the world to recognize the divine nature of Jesus and the love lavished upon His followers.
It reminds us that our unity as believers is not merely for internal cohesion but also serves as a powerful witness to the world, emphasizing the redemptive work of Christ and inviting others to experience His love.
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.”
These verses highlight forgiveness as an essential component of unity within the body of Christ. Believers are called to bear with one another, practicing forgiveness as they have been forgiven by the Lord.
Love is presented as the bond that holds all other virtues together, emphasizing its transformative power in cultivating unity and fostering an environment of grace and reconciliation.
Philippians 2:2
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
This verse calls believers to pursue like-mindedness, emphasizing the importance of shared love and unity of spirit and mind within the body of Christ. It encourages a harmonious and unified community that brings joy to the apostle Paul.
By aligning our minds and hearts with Christ, we can overcome divisions and work towards a common purpose, reflecting the unity that exists within the Godhead and testifying to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Mark 3:25
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of a divided house to illustrate the destructive nature of internal divisions. He highlights the importance of unity within a community or family, emphasizing that division weakens and undermines its stability.
This verse serves as a reminder of the urgency and significance of pursuing unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that divisions can have far-reaching consequences and hinder the fulfillment of God’s purposes.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
These verses present a series of exhortations for believers, emphasizing the qualities and attitudes that foster unity within the body of Christ. They call believers to adopt a like-mindedness, showing compassion, humility, and love towards one another.
By embodying these virtues, we create an environment where divisions are less likely to emerge and where unity thrives, reflecting the character of Christ and drawing others into a vibrant and harmonious fellowship.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
In this verse, Paul urges believers to prioritize peace and mutual edification, striving to build up one another rather than tearing each other down. It suggests that avoiding unnecessary divisions and pursuing peace should be a central focus for believers.
This verse invites us to consider the ways in which our choices and actions contribute to the overall wellbeing of the body of Christ, motivating us to promote unity and growth in our relationships and interactions.
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.’
This verse presents Jesus’ insight into the destructive nature of division, emphasizing its potential to ruin kingdoms, cities, and households. It underscores the importance of unity for stability and effectiveness in various settings.
By heeding this warning, we recognize the implications of internal divisions and are motivated to pursue harmony, reconciliation, and a shared sense of purpose within the body of Christ and in the broader contexts where we live and interact with others.
Titus 3:10
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.”
This verse provides guidance for dealing with individuals who persistently cause divisions within the community of believers. It instructs believers to address such individuals, provide warnings, and, if necessary, to separate from them.
While unity and reconciliation should always be pursued, this verse recognizes the need to protect the integrity and unity of the body of Christ by not enabling or tolerating those who continuously sow seeds of division.
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 servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
In these verses, Paul warns against engaging in pointless arguments that lead to quarrels and divisions. Instead, believers are called to exhibit kindness, teaching ability, and a non-resentful attitude in their interactions.
It encourages believers to prioritize harmony over winning arguments, recognizing that promoting peace and understanding is far more beneficial for the unity and growth of 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 encourages believers to pursue harmony, humility, and inclusivity, regardless of social status or position. It reminds us that divisions can arise from pride and a lack of humility, hindering the unity and effectiveness of the body of Christ.
By embracing humility and actively seeking to build bridges across social, cultural, and economic divides, we create an environment where all individuals are valued and unity flourishes.
1 Timothy 6:4-5
“They are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
These verses denounce the toxic nature of controversies, quarrels, and divisive speech that often arise out of pride and a distorted view of godliness. They caution against engaging in such behavior, recognizing the damage it causes to relationships and the erosion of truth.
Instead, believers are called to focus on genuine godliness, pursuing unity and displaying a Christ-like character that brings life and edification to the body of Christ.
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 paints a vivid picture of the blessing and beauty that results from unity among God’s people. It likens the unity of believers to the refreshing dew that brings life, flourishing, and the presence of God’s abundant blessings.
It invites us to recognize the transformative power of unity, not only in our relationships but also in our experience of God’s presence and the outpouring of His blessings upon the body of Christ.
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.”
Continuing the imagery of unity, this verse compares it to the precious oil used to anoint Aaron as a high priest. The anointing oil signified consecration, and in the context of unity, it represents the blessings and favor that flow when believers dwell together in harmony.
It underscores the significance of unity in the body of Christ, highlighting how it brings a sense of divine purpose, anointing, and blessing to the community of believers.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse emphasizes the goodness and delight that arises when God’s people dwell in unity. It captures the joy and satisfaction that comes from experiencing and witnessing the harmonious fellowship of believers.
It communicates the heart of God for His people to live in unity, collectively reflecting His character and fulfilling His purposes for the advancement of His kingdom.