Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Disunity refers to a lack of unity or harmony among individuals or groups, often resulting in conflict, division, and discord. In the biblical context, disunity is seen as a deviation from God's desire for His people to live in peace and unity. The Bible addresses disunity in various contexts, including within families, communities, and the church. Biblical Instances and Teachings: 1. Old Testament Examples: · Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9): The account of the Tower of Babel illustrates the consequences of disunity with God. The people, unified in their purpose to build a tower to the heavens, were scattered and their language confused by God due to their prideful intentions. · Israel's Tribal Conflicts: Throughout the history of Israel, disunity among the tribes often led to internal strife and weakened the nation. For example, the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel (Judges 20) highlights the destructive nature of disunity. 2. New Testament Teachings: · Jesus' Prayer for Unity (John 17:20-23): Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers, emphasizing that unity among His followers would be a testament to the world of His divine mission. "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me" (John 17:22-23). · Paul's Exhortations: The Apostle Paul frequently addressed disunity in the early church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, he urged the church in Corinth to be united: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" . 3. Consequences of Disunity: · Hindrance to Witness: Disunity among believers can hinder the church's witness to the world. Jesus emphasized that unity would demonstrate His love and mission to the world (John 17:23). · Spiritual Weakness: Disunity can lead to spiritual weakness and vulnerability to false teachings and external threats. Paul warned the Galatians about the dangers of biting and devouring one another, which could lead to their destruction (Galatians 5:15). 4. Pursuit of Unity: · Ephesians 4:1-6: Paul encouraged believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This passage highlights the virtues necessary for maintaining unity. · Role of Love: Love is central to overcoming disunity. In Colossians 3:14, Paul writes, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity" . Theological Implications: Disunity is often seen as a manifestation of sin and human pride, which disrupts the harmony intended by God. The call for unity is not merely organizational but deeply spiritual, reflecting the unity within the Trinity and the reconciliatory work of Christ. Believers are called to reflect this divine unity in their relationships, serving as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Topical Bible Verses Deuteronomy 4:2You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Topicalbible.org Romans 3:23 1 Corinthians 11:2 Library Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ... Resources Disunion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |