What steps can we take to prevent division within our families and churches? The Seriousness of Division “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25) Jesus treats division as a house-destroyer. A fractured family or church cannot flourish, so unity is not optional—it is survival. Step 1: Keep Christ at the Center • Agree that Jesus is Lord, not personal preference. • Regularly gather around His Word (Acts 2:42). • Make decisions by asking, “Will this help us honor Christ together?” Step 2: Walk in Humility and Selflessness “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride…” (Philippians 2:3-4) • Value people over being right. • Celebrate others’ victories; mourn their hurts. • Lay down rights rather than demand them. Step 3: Guard Our Words “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” (Ephesians 4:29) • Speak to build up, never to tear down. • Listen first, speak second (James 1:19). • If it can’t be said in love, don’t say it. Step 4: Pursue Doctrinal Faithfulness Together • Stay anchored in the “faith entrusted once for all to the saints” (Jude 3). • Study Scripture side-by-side, not in competing camps. • Correct error gently but firmly, holding the Bible as the final word. Step 5: Practice Quick Forgiveness “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) • Keep short accounts; don’t store grievances. • Remember how freely Christ pardoned us, then extend the same grace. • Reconciliation restores more than it costs. Step 6: Embrace Accountability and Restoration “Carry one another’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:1-2) • Invite loving correction; pride resists it, humility welcomes it. • Restore the stumbling with gentleness, not shaming. • Carry burdens together so no one is left isolated. Step 7: Pray and Serve Together • United prayer knits hearts (Acts 1:14). • Serving side-by-side shifts focus from self to mission. • Shared ministry produces shared joy and deep bonds. Step 8: Deal with Conflict Biblically • Go directly to the person first (Matthew 18:15-16). • Bring witnesses only if needed, aiming for restoration. • Let Scripture, not emotion, guide the process. Step 9: Shut Down Gossip Early “A gossip divides close friends.” (Proverbs 16:28) • Refuse to listen to unverified criticism. • Redirect the speaker to the person involved. • Celebrate peacemakers; confront tale-bearers. Living the Lesson Psalm 133:1 exclaims, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony.” As we center on Christ, humble ourselves, guard our tongues, cling to sound doctrine, forgive quickly, hold one another accountable, pray and serve together, handle conflict God’s way, and reject gossip, we build households and congregations that stand firm—displaying the beauty and strength of unity that Jesus desires for His people. |
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