The Bible speaks profoundly about both division and unity, offering wisdom on the consequences of discord and the blessings of harmony.
While division is often a result of sin, selfishness, or differing beliefs, unity is a divine calling for those in Christ. God’s Word calls His people to be of one mind, loving one another, and striving for peace. Below are Bible verses that highlight what the Bible teaches about division and unity.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Church Unity
Division Comes from Sin and Pride
One of the primary reasons for division is the sinfulness of the human heart. Pride, selfish ambition, and an unwillingness to submit to God lead to strife and discord. The Bible warns us that when we seek our own desires above others, we create barriers between ourselves and those around us.
Proverbs 13:10
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.”
James 3:16
“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
1 Corinthians 3:3
“For you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?”
Galatians 5:19-21
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.”
Titus 3:9
“Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.”
Jesus Calls for Unity Among Believers
Jesus’ prayer for His followers was that they would be one, just as He and the Father are one. True unity among believers is a testimony to the world that Jesus was sent by God. This unity is rooted in love, humility, and shared devotion to Christ.
John 17:21
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
Worldly Divisions Should Not Control Believers
The world is filled with divisions—whether cultural, political, or personal. However, believers are called to rise above these earthly conflicts
and focus on their identity in Christ. Our unity in Him should transcend all other divisions.
Galatians 3:28
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 14:19
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
Philippians 2:2
“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.”
1 John 4:20
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see,
how can we love God, whom we cannot see?”
False Teachings and Division in the Church
The Bible warns that false teachers and distorted doctrines can cause divisions within the church. Believers must be on guard against teachings that lead people away from the truth of the Gospel.
Romans 16:17
“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.”
2 Timothy 4:3
“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.”
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them.”
Titus 3:10
“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.”
1 Timothy 6:3-5
“Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Quarreling
Unity in the Body of Christ
The Church is called the body of Christ, and just like a physical body, it must work together in unity. Every believer has a role to play, and when we function in harmony, we reflect Christ’s love and mission to the world.
1 Corinthians 12:12
“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:16
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow,
so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.”
Romans 15:5-6
“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers
of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:13
“Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!”
God’s Judgment on Those Who Cause Division
God takes division seriously, especially when it is caused by those who stir up strife, spread false teachings, or sow discord among believers.
The Bible warns of judgment upon those who cause unnecessary division and destruction within the body of Christ.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”
Jude 1:19
“These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.”
Matthew 12:25
“Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, ‘Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.'”
James 4:1
“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?”
2 Thessalonians 3:6
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.”
God’s Blessing on Unity
Unity is not only commanded by God but also brings blessings to His people. When believers dwell together in harmony, they experience peace, strength, and the power of God’s presence in their midst.
Psalm 133:1
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Acts 2:44-47
“All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
Philippians 1:27
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”