When division harms us, how do we find healing? - Divisions - TouchPoints

Galatians 3:28There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:4-6There is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

True healing comes from our oneness with Jesus, which also naturally leads to oneness with each other.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.

Colossians 3:12-15Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

We can lovingly forgive each other. Forgiveness is a powerful healing agent that restores our relationships and love toward one another.

2 Timothy 4:11Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

Paul had previously rejected Mark as a partner in ministry, which led to a separation with Barnabas and a division of their original missionary team. But Paul obviously forgave Mark as he specifically requested Mark’s presence. We must be willing not only to forgive, but also to let ourselves and others change. Forgiveness sometimes involves forgetfulness, no longer allowing past conflicts to separate us from fellow believers.

Philippians 2:2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

When we unite our hearts, we dispose of what divides our hearts.

Acts 15:36-41After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

We should continue to serve the Lord, realizing that God can use even our division for his good. When we serve despite our wounds, our service helps them heal.

Romans 14:1Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.

We can accept others without always agreeing in non-essentials, for that which could divide us need not divide us.

1 Corinthians 6:7Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you. Why not just accept the injustice and leave it at that? Why not let yourselves be cheated?

People will not always be willing to apologize, or to repay us what we think they owe. We may sometimes need to accept injustice and move forward. Accepting small wounds is better than inflicting greater ones.