Dissension within congregations is a significant issue addressed throughout the Bible, reflecting the challenges faced by early Christian communities and offering guidance for maintaining unity and harmony among believers. The New Testament, in particular, provides numerous examples and teachings on how to handle conflicts and divisions within the church.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Corinthian Church: The Apostle Paul addresses dissension in the Corinthian church, where factions had formed around different leaders. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 , Paul urges the believers to be united, saying, "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." Paul emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than human leaders.

2. Galatian Church: In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists "dissensions" as one of the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. He contrasts this with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace and unity, urging believers to live by the Spirit.

3. Philippian Church: Paul also addresses potential discord in the Philippian church, encouraging believers to adopt the mindset of Christ. In Philippians 2:2-4 , he writes, "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves."

4. Romans: In Romans 16:17-18 , Paul warns the Roman church to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." This instruction highlights the need for vigilance against those who would disrupt the unity of the church.

Causes of Dissension

Dissension in congregations can arise from various sources, including:

· Doctrinal Disputes: Differences in interpretation of Scripture or theological beliefs can lead to divisions.
· Personal Conflicts: Interpersonal issues, such as jealousy, pride, or unresolved grievances, can cause rifts.
· Leadership Struggles: Power struggles or disagreements among church leaders can trickle down to the congregation.
· Cultural and Social Differences: Diverse backgrounds and perspectives can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.

Biblical Solutions and Encouragements

1. Pursuit of Peace: Believers are encouraged to pursue peace and reconciliation. In Matthew 5:9 , Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." The pursuit of peace is a hallmark of Christian conduct.

2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness is central to resolving conflicts. In Colossians 3:13 , Paul instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

3. Adherence to Sound Doctrine: Maintaining sound doctrine is crucial to preventing doctrinal disputes. In Titus 1:9 , Paul advises leaders to "hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

4. Humility and Service: Emulating Christ's humility and servanthood can help mitigate personal conflicts. In John 13:14-15 , Jesus washes the disciples' feet, setting an example of humble service.

5. Church Discipline: In cases where individuals persist in causing division, church discipline may be necessary. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing restoration and reconciliation.

Dissension in congregations is a challenge that requires wisdom, patience, and a commitment to biblical principles. By adhering to the teachings of Scripture, believers can work towards unity and reflect the love of Christ within their communities.1 Corinthians 1:10-13
Now I beseech you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 3:3,4
For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men?
Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 11:18,19
For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
Nave's Topical Index

Introduction
... News of the dissension seems to have reached Rome through hearsay (ch.47:7 ... the wider
Church, and were not unconcerned with what happened in other congregations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/richardson/early christian fathers/introduction.htm

Salzburg Lutherans in Georgia.
... Bolzius, Lemke, and Rabenhorst had labored together in harmony, dissension and strife ...
of the Salzburgers are found in the Lutheran congregations of Savannah ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/salzburg lutherans in georgia.htm

The Case of all the Protestant or Reformed Churches, With
... We call "Reformed churches" those congregations professing the Christian faith which ...
disputation on the present controversy about the dissension between the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 22 the case of.htm

The Reformation in Poland and the Consensus of Sendomir. AD 1570.
... He organized in London three congregations of Dutch, German, French, and Italian ...
cultivate peace and charity, and to avoid strife and dissension, which greatly ...
/.../ 74 the reformation in.htm

At Capernaum
... Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews ... every
look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 26 at capernaum.htm

Letter Lxxxviii. (AD 406. )
... to pass a law that the properties of your congregations should be ... with becoming
reverence to their religious duties, undistracted by dissension among themselves ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxviii a d 406.htm

Acts XV
... (2) "When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation ... bondage."
[324] Having witnessed a rapid increase of the congregations under the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xv.htm

Letter xxxiii. (AD 396. )
... by letters exchanged, let these letters be read to the two congregations, in order
that ... but it is concerning our Head Himself that this dissension, so unworthy ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxiii a d 396.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... visited the places where they had previously succeeded in collecting congregations. ...
once withstood its abettors, and had "no small dissension and disputation ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant
... teacheth." If necessary, because corrupt men creep into the congregations and church ...
The Hartford church in particular became rent by dissension so great that ...
/.../chapter iv the cambridge platform.htm

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