“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Sowing Discord in Our Relationships
In our lives, relationships are fundamental to our well-being and happiness. When we talk about sowing discord, we must recognize how detrimental it can be to our bonds with one another. The Bible gives us guidance on the importance of unity and love, emphasizing how we should not allow anything to disrupt our harmony with our brothers and sisters. We can choose to be peacemakers and nurturers, working instead to foster love and understanding. This is a beautiful calling that we hold as believers, reminding us how essential it is to build each other up instead of tearing anyone down. Let’s explore what Scripture says about the dangers of sowing discord, and how we can steer clear of such negativity.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” – Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.” – Proverbs 15:18
James 3:16
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” – James 3:16
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
The Consequences of Division
When discord is sown among us, the consequences can be severe and painful. It can lead to broken friendships, families torn apart, and churches divided. Such chaos can hinder our mission as Christians and dissuade others from seeing the love of Christ in our communities. We understand that as followers of Jesus, we are called to live in unity and peace with one another. Therefore, it’s essential for us to realize the effects of our words and actions. Let’s look at what Scripture says about the repercussions of division, encouraging us toward harmony and love, and away from discord and strife.
Romans 16:17
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” – Romans 16:17
Galatians 5:15
“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” – Galatians 5:15
Titus 3:10
“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.” – Titus 3:10
Proverbs 18:19
“A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” – Proverbs 18:19
Matthew 12:25
“Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.'” – Matthew 12:25
The Call to Unity
Unity is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are called to come together as one body, supporting and uplifting each other in love. When we cultivate unity in our relationships and communities, we create an environment that is pleasing to God. The Bible invites us to work together harmoniously, putting aside our differences and focusing on what truly matters – our faith in Christ. As we reflect on this call to unity, let us embrace its beauty and significance in our lives, reminding us of the positive impact we can have when we stand together. Let’s examine the Scriptures that inspire us toward fellowship and unity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:3
“Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Philippians 2:2
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” – Romans 12:16
The Power of Words
Our words hold incredible power. They can either build up or tear down, create harmony or sow discord. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of our speech, urging us to choose our words wisely. When we speak with love and kindness, we contribute to an atmosphere of peace instead of conflict. God calls us to be mindful of what we say and how we say it. In striving for constructive communication, we can prevent misunderstandings and develop healthier relationships. Let us reflect on God’s Word that teaches us about the impact of our words in the context of sowing discord.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” – Proverbs 21:23
James 1:26
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” – James 1:26
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
Seeking Forgiveness and Reconciliation
When discord arises, it often leaves scars that need healing. Jesus calls us to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, encouraging us to mend broken relationships. We must access the grace extended to us through Christ and choose to extend that same grace to others. Making amends is integral to our faith journey, helping us to restore harmony within our relationships. Let’s turn to the Bible’s insights about forgiveness and reconciliation, keeping in mind how we can nurture peace instead of sowing discord in our lives.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 17:3
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” – Luke 17:3
2 Corinthians 5:18
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Guarding Our Hearts
It is essential for us to guard our hearts and minds against the temptation to sow discord. This starts with being aware of our thoughts and feelings towards others. As we nourish love and grace in our hearts, we can maintain peace in our relationships. The Scriptures provide us with wisdom to protect our hearts from negativity, leading us instead toward compassion and understanding. Let us meditate on these truths as we focus on keeping our hearts aligned with God’s will and away from the destructive act of sowing discord.
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Ephesians 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:12
Romans 14:19
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” – Romans 14:19
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of sowing discord, it becomes evident that this action is something we must actively avoid. The Scriptures remind us how dangerous it can be to spread negativity within our relationships. Each verse serves as a guiding light, urging us towards unity, love, and understanding. We have a calling to act as peacemakers, to forgive, seek reconciliation, and maintain harmony in our communities.
We should strive for kindness in our words and actions, understanding their powerful impact on others. The Bible’s teachings encourage us not only to avoid sowing discord but also to nurture relationships that reflect Christ’s love. Moreover, let’s not forget the importance of guarding our hearts against bitterness and misunderstandings.
In this journey of faith, let us choose to break the cycle of discord and amplify love instead. We can explore other related topics that speak to our hearts, such as dealing with betrayal or friendships turning sour. Together, may we strive for peace!