How do we prevent harmful divisions? - Divisions - TouchPoints

1 Corinthians 1:10I 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.

Philippians 2:1-4Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

1 Peter 3:8Finally, 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.

Unity of heart, purpose, and mind comes when everyone thinks about the same thing—serving others first and helping others before helping yourself. When everyone’s goal is to serve others, then everyone’s needs will be served. Nothing creates division more than selfishness, the desire to get what we want at the expense of others.

Romans 12:18Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Romans 14:19So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Philippians 2:14-15Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

We can make peace a priority. Peace is not defined as the absence of conflict, but the relentless pursuit of the characteristics of peace: completeness, justice, love, unity, righteousness.

Romans 15:5-6May 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.

Ephesians 4:1-3Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

When we seek the unity of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will encourage the unity of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others.

Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 17:27A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 25:15Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.

2 Timothy 2:24-25A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

Titus 3:1-2Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

The words we speak have everything to do with whether we promote peace or disrupt it.

Philippians 3:15-16Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Starting with God’s truth as a point of agreement makes it easier to reconcile our divergent points of view.

Acts 15:1-2, 6, 22, 25, 30-31While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Paul and Barnabas disagreed with them, arguing vehemently. Finally, the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local believers, to talk to the apostles and elders about this question. . . . So the apostles and elders met together to resolve this issue. . . . Then the apostles and elders together with the whole church in Jerusalem chose delegates, and they sent them to Antioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabas to report on this decision. The men chosen were two of the church leaders—Judas (also called Barsabbas) and Silas. . . . So we decided, having come to complete agreement, to send you official representatives, along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, . . . The messengers went at once to Antioch, where they called a general meeting of the believers and delivered the letter. And there was great joy throughout the church that day as they read this encouraging message.

We are to listen to one another before escalating any conflict. If many godly people are united in a matter, it is generally wise to accept their counsel.

Proverbs 17:14Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 20:3Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

We can be sensitive to mounting tensions and address issues before they escalate into divisive quarrels.

Proverbs 22:10Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

Proverbs 26:20-21Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

Romans 16:17Now 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.

Titus 3:10If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

The company we keep heavily influences our thoughts and choices. It is wise to surround ourselves with people who will build us up in our walk with the Lord, not make it harder for us.