Division is a serious problem that affects many aspects of our lives, from our families and churches to our society and nation. The Bible warns us about the dangers of division and urges us to maintain unity among ourselves as followers of Christ.
Here are 40 best Bible scriptures on division that can help us understand God’s will for us in this matter.
What is division?
Division is the state of being separated, split, or divided into parts or groups. It can also mean having a difference of opinion, belief, or interest that causes conflict or hostility. Division can occur among individuals, families, friends, churches, denominations, organizations, communities, and nations.
What causes division?
The root cause of division is sin. Sin makes us selfish, prideful, rebellious, and hostile to God and others. Sin also blinds us to the truth and leads us to follow false teachings, idols, and worldly passions. Sin creates division within ourselves, between us and God, and among us and others.
Some of the specific causes of division mentioned in the Bible are:
- Jealousy and strife (1 Corinthians 3:3)
- Dissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine of Christ (Romans 16:17)
- Factions and heresies (1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20)
- Hatred and bitterness (1 John 2:9; Hebrews 12:15)
- Idleness and disorderliness (2 Thessalonians 3:6-14)
- Partiality and favoritism (James 2:1-9)
- Gossip and slander (Proverbs 16:28; James 4:11)
What are the consequences of division?
Division has many negative consequences for us and others. Some of them are:
- It weakens our witness and testimony as Christians (John 17:21-23)
- It hinders our prayers and blessings from God (Psalm 133:1-3; Matthew 18:19-20)
- It damages our relationships and fellowship with others (Ephesians 4:1-6; Hebrews 10:24-25)
- It exposes us to the attacks and schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8-9)
- It leads to more sin and evil (Galatians 5:15; James 3:16)
How can we overcome division?
The only way to overcome division is by the grace and power of God through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to God and to one another. He rose from the dead to give us new life and a new identity in Him. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and enable us to love God and others as He commanded.
Some of the practical steps we can take to overcome division are:
- Repent of our sins and seek forgiveness from God and others (1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:23-24)
- Abide in the teaching of Christ and His word (2 John 9; Colossians 3:16)
- Avoid those who cause divisions and teach false doctrines (Titus 3:10; 2 John 10)
- Pursue peace and unity with all people as far as it depends on us (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14)
- Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:1-4)
What are some examples of scriptures on division?
Here are some examples of scriptures on division from both the Old and New Testaments:
Old Testament
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Genesis 13:7-9
— And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
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Exodus 8:23
— I will put a division between my people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall happen.
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Psalm 22:18
— They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
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Proverbs 6:16-19
— 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.
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Isaiah 9:21
— Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.
New Testament
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Matthew 10:34-36
— 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.
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Luke 12:51-53
— Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.
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John 7:43
— So there was a division among the people over him.
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Acts 15:36-41
— And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
- And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
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1 Corinthians 1:10-13
— 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 in 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?
Conclusion
Division is a serious problem that affects many aspects of our lives, from our families and churches to our society and nation. The Bible warns us about the dangers of division and urges us to maintain unity among ourselves as followers of Christ.
We can overcome division by the grace and power of God through Jesus Christ, who died for us and rose again to give us new life and a new identity in Him. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and enable us to love God and others as He commanded. Let us pursue peace and unity with all people as far as it depends on us, and make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
I hope this blog post was helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading! 😊
