Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. – Matthew 12:25
Understanding Division
When we think about division, it’s essential to know what it means to be divided among ourselves. Division often leads to strife, conflict, and disunity. The Bible often emphasizes unity, and division stands against what God desires for His people. We see in scripture that division can arise in families, communities, and even within ourselves. As followers of Christ, we are called to seek oneness and harmony. This means we must recognize and address the ways in which division creeps into our lives and communities. In the face of disagreements and conflicts, instead of allowing ourselves to be divided, we should seek God’s guidance to promote understanding and reconciliation. In doing so, we honor God’s command for us to live in unity and fellowship.
Matthew 12:25
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” – Matthew 12:25
James 3:16
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16
Mark 3:25
“If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” – Mark 3:25
Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
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.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Effects of Division
Division can have drastic effects on our relationships and communities. It can create barriers that lead to misunderstandings and resentment. When we are divided, we lose sight of our common goals and values. The Scriptures warn us that a divided community falters and struggles to move forward. When we reflect on our personal experiences, we can see how division can lead to hurt, anger, and ultimately separation. It is our responsibility to notice these signs and work towards healing and reconciliation instead. By doing so, we strengthen our bonds and work towards a peaceful and loving environment.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
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.” – Romans 16:17
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
1 Timothy 6:4
“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.” – 1 Timothy 6:4
The Call to Unity
As believers, we have a clear calling to unity among ourselves. It’s a reminder of what Christ has done for us and how His love binds us together. In our differences, we can find strength and beauty, fostering friendships that enrich our lives. When we choose unity over division, we embody the message of love that Jesus preached. This is not always easy; it requires efforts like forgiveness, patience, and understanding. But we are equipped by the Holy Spirit to bridge these gaps. Together, we can create a community that reflects the heart of God, living out the command to love one another.
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
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.” – Romans 15:5-6
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
John 17:21
“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.” – John 17:21
The Role of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a pivotal part of overcoming division. It’s about letting go of grudges and the desire for revenge. The Bible instructs us to forgive as we have been forgiven. By forgiving others, we open the door to healing and restore relationships that might have suffered due to past conflicts. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act; it is a continual process of love and grace, reminding us that we all stumble and need the same mercy from Christ. When we genuinely forgive, we showcase Christ’s love and cultivate unity, driving away any lingering division.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
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.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
The Power of Love
Love is the strongest force we have against division. It connects us and allows us to see beyond our differences, bringing harmony and peace. The Bible tells us that God is love, and we are called to embody this love in our lives. With love at the forefront, we can bridge gaps and build a sense of community that promotes acceptance and kindness. This love empowers us to confront and heal the divides that try to separate us. It transforms us and encourages us to act in ways that honor God and care for one another. When love leads, division has no place.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
The Hope of Restoration
The good news is that even when division occurs, restoration is always possible through Christ. With Him, we can find ways to heal broken relationships and mend the divides that separate us. Restoration is not merely about fixing what’s broken but also about building something beautiful from the pain of division. Through prayer, understanding, and cultivating love, we can experience God’s healing in our hearts and relationships. The journey of restoration may involve hard work, but it is always worth it as we bear witness to God’s transformative power in our lives. The hope we find in restoration inspires us to believe in change and encourages us to keep working towards unity.
Isaiah 58:12
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” – Isaiah 58:12
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Joel 2:25
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…” – Joel 2:25
Colossians 1:20
“and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” – Colossians 1:20
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Final Thoughts
We have explored the topic of division, digging into what it truly means for us as believers. Division can lead to conflict and strife, breaking apart our relationships and communities. We are reminded that unity is what God desires for us, and through love and forgiveness, we can overcome divides. Our powerful calling to love one another and care for each other creates a pathway to healing and restoration. When life gets tough, remember that we are equipped by God to choose unity over discord.
Let’s continue to see each other through the lens of love and grace, focusing on the incredible restoration available through Christ. It’s a journey that we undertake together, and we have the ability to make a significant impact on those around us. If you feel moved to learn more, be sure to explore additional topics like living in unity and living in harmony with others. Together, let’s build a community centered in the love of Christ.