Division is a significant theme in the Bible, often depicted as a consequence of sin, disobedience, and human conflict. From the early pages of Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and the letters of Paul, the scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of division among individuals, communities, and even nations. In a world where division seems increasingly prevalent, understanding what the Bible says about it can guide us toward unity, healing, and reconciliation.
This article will explore 46 scriptures that address division. These verses encompass a range of topics, including familial discord, church conflicts, cultural divides, and the broader implications of division in society. As we delve into these scriptures, we will not only highlight their contexts but also reflect on their relevance today. Ultimately, the goal is to seek God’s wisdom on how to navigate division in our lives, encouraging reconciliation and understanding in our relationships with others.
1. Genesis 11:1-9 – The Tower of Babel
“Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.’ And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.’”
This passage tells the story of humanity’s initial unity in language and purpose, which turned into division due to pride and ambition. God intervened, confusing their language and scattering them across the earth, illustrating how division can arise from human attempts to elevate themselves against God’s intentions.
2. Matthew 12:25 – A House Divided
“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.’”
Jesus highlights the futility of division within any entity, including families and nations. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that unity is essential for strength and stability.
3. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 – Divisions in the Church
“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. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul,’ or ‘I follow Apollos,’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
Here, Paul addresses the divisions arising in the Corinthian church, urging unity among believers. His rhetorical questions emphasize that division among followers of Christ undermines the very foundation of the faith.
4. Galatians 5:15 – Biting and Devouring One Another
“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
Paul warns against the destructive nature of conflict and division within the community. This verse serves as a caution about the consequences of division leading to mutual destruction.
5. James 3:16 – Disorder and Every Evil Practice
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
James connects division to jealousy and selfishness, pointing out that such attitudes create chaos and moral decay. This passage encourages believers to seek wisdom from above to cultivate peace and harmony.
6. Proverbs 6:16-19 – The Things the Lord Hates
“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.”
This passage identifies sowing discord as one of the things God detests. It underscores the seriousness of division and conflict among people, particularly within families and communities.
7. Ephesians 4:3 – Unity of the Spirit
“Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Paul encourages believers to strive for unity, emphasizing that maintaining peace is an active pursuit requiring effort and commitment.
8. Romans 12:18 – Live Peaceably with All
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
This verse acknowledges that while peace may not always be achievable, it emphasizes the importance of doing everything within our power to foster harmony in relationships.
9. Philippians 2:2 – Complete My Joy
“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Paul encourages the Philippian church to strive for unity and love. This verse illustrates how shared purpose and affection can combat division.
10. Luke 12:51-53 – Division Even Among Family
“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”
Jesus recognizes that His message can create division, even among close family members. This stark reality illustrates that following Christ may lead to conflicts with those who reject His teachings.
11. Romans 16:17 – Watch Out for Dividers
“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.”
Paul warns the Roman believers to be vigilant against those who sow discord and deviate from sound teaching, highlighting the need for discernment within the church.
12. Matthew 10:34-36 – Not Peace, But a Sword
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”
Jesus’ words remind us that His message may lead to division, particularly among those who do not embrace His teachings. This reinforces the reality that following Christ can be contentious.
13. 1 Corinthians 3:3 – Fleshly Divisions
“For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
Paul highlights that jealousy and strife indicate immaturity in faith. Division stems from worldly perspectives rather than the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
14. 1 Peter 3:8 – Unity of Mind
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
Peter encourages believers to cultivate a mindset that promotes unity and love, emphasizing the attitudes necessary to overcome division.
15. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 – Avoid Foolish Arguments
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.”
Paul advises Timothy to steer clear of divisive arguments, highlighting the need for patience and kindness in all interactions, particularly for those in leadership.
16. Proverbs 17:14 – The Beginning of Strife
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.”
This proverb offers wisdom on the nature of conflict, suggesting that it is better to avoid disputes before they escalate into serious division.
17. Titus 3:10 – Warn a Divisive Person
“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.”
Paul instructs Titus on how to deal with divisive individuals, advocating for a clear stance against those who refuse to seek reconciliation.
18. Colossians 3:13 – Bearing with One Another
“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.”
Forgiveness is central to maintaining unity. This verse emphasizes the importance of bearing with one another’s faults as an expression of grace.
19. Acts 15:39 – Paul and Barnabas’ Division
“And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.”
The division between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark illustrates that even prominent leaders in the church can experience conflict. This passage shows that division can occur even among those with shared missions.
20. Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Jesus elevates the role of peacemakers, indicating that promoting peace is a noble and divine pursuit that reflects God’s character.
21. Mark 3:25 – House Divided Against Itself
“And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”
This repetition of the theme from Matthew reinforces the idea that internal conflict leads to failure. Unity is crucial for survival and effectiveness.
22. Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for Peace
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
The writer of Hebrews underscores the importance of peace as essential for spiritual life and community, urging believers to actively seek it.
23. Proverbs 10:12 – Love Covers All Offenses
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of love in overcoming division, teaching that love can heal and restore relationships.
24. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 – Live in Peace with One Another
“And to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.”
Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to foster peace within their community, emphasizing mutual respect and love.
25. John 17:21 – That They May All Be One
“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
In His prayer for unity among believers, Jesus underscores the importance of oneness for the credibility of the gospel. Division weakens the church’s witness to the world.
26. Romans 14:19 – Pursue What Makes for Peace
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize peace and edification, highlighting the necessity of collective growth in faith.
27. 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Aim for Restoration
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Paul emphasizes restoration and comfort as essential aspects of the Christian community, encouraging believers to strive for harmony.
28. 1 John 4:20 – Love for Brothers and Sisters
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
John’s words stress the necessity of love in overcoming division, reinforcing that genuine love for God is inseparable from love for others.
29. Matthew 7:3-5 – Remove the Log from Your Own Eye
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of self-reflection before addressing others’ faults, advocating for humility in confronting division.
30. Ephesians 2:14 – He Himself is Our Peace
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”
This verse highlights Christ’s role in reconciliation, demonstrating how He breaks down barriers that divide humanity.
31. Psalm 133:1 – Unity Among Brethren
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
The psalmist celebrates the beauty of unity, emphasizing its value within the community of believers.
32. James 4:1-2 – Quarrels Among You
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”
James identifies internal desires as the source of conflict, urging believers to seek resolution within themselves before engaging with others.
33. Romans 15:5-6 – Unity in Christ
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul calls for harmony among believers, illustrating how unity in Christ leads to collective worship and glorification of God.
34. 1 Corinthians 12:25 – No Division in the Body
“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”
Paul emphasizes that unity is essential for the functioning of the church, where each member must care for one another to avoid division.
35. John 10:16 – One Flock, One Shepherd
“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.”
Jesus’ words point to the ultimate unity He desires among all believers, transcending cultural and denominational barriers.
36. Matthew 18:15-17 – Dealing with Sin in the Church
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
Jesus outlines a process for resolving conflict, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues directly and seeking reconciliation.
37. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Kindness and Forgiveness
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Paul encourages believers to replace division with kindness and forgiveness, reflecting God’s grace in their relationships.
38. Philippians 4:2 – Agree in the Lord
“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.”
Paul directly addresses two individuals in conflict, urging them to find common ground in their faith, illustrating the importance of resolving personal disagreements within the church.
39. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Unequal Yoke
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
This passage cautions against partnerships that can lead to division, emphasizing the need for alignment in beliefs and values.
40. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – Love for One Another
“Now concerning brotherly love, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.”
Paul acknowledges the importance of love among believers, indicating that genuine love can bridge divides and foster unity.
41. Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconciliation Before Worship
“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.”
Jesus emphasizes that reconciliation should take precedence over religious rituals, highlighting the priority of resolving conflict.
42. Romans 12:1-2 – A Living Sacrifice
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Paul calls for personal transformation, urging believers to focus on God’s will rather than worldly patterns, which often breed division.
43. 2 Corinthians 1:24 – Not That We Lord It Over Your Faith
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of collaboration and encouragement rather than authority, reinforcing unity through mutual support.
44. Galatians 6:2 – Bear One Another’s Burdens
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to support one another, promoting unity by helping to alleviate each other’s struggles.
45. Isaiah 58:9 – Removing the Yoke of Oppression
“Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.”
Isaiah underscores the need to remove oppression and division to experience God’s presence, advocating for a community marked by justice and kindness.
46. Revelation 7:9 – Multitude from Every Nation
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
This vision of unity in heaven depicts the ultimate goal for the church—diverse believers united in worship of God, transcending all earthly divisions.
Conclusion
The scriptures on division remind believers of the significance of unity in the body of Christ. From the teachings of Jesus to the epistles of Paul and the wisdom of the Old Testament, the Bible consistently underscores the need for love, peace, and reconciliation among believers. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the principles of forgiveness, humility, and understanding to bridge divides, fostering a community that reflects the love of God. In a world rife with conflict and division, the call to unity remains as vital as ever, inviting us to work towards harmony and collaboration in our lives and churches.
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