The Bible has a lot to say about division and offers wisdom for how to address it. Throughout Scripture, we see that division stems from sin and causes harm, but we also see God’s plan to ultimately bring unity through Jesus Christ.
The origins of division
According to the Bible, division entered the world through the first sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, this fractured their relationship with God and with each another (Genesis 3:7-13). Their sin also brought a curse on creation, marring its original goodness (Genesis 3:14-19). Ever since, sin has continued to divide humanity across every level – individually, relationally, and collectively.
On an individual level, sin divides our inner being. The apostle Paul described the struggle within himself: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15). Because of sin, even our minds, wills, and emotions are in conflict within us.
Relationally, sin divides us from one another. It causes hostility and strife between people, even those who are closest. The very first family was divided when Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:8). Sin also often leads to oppression, injustice, and violence between groups.
Collectively, the human race suffers division because of the fragmentation caused by sin. Humanity was meant to live in harmony as one family under God, but now people are separated across divisions of ethnicity, culture, language, geography, and worldview. These divisions breed all kinds of group animosity and conflict.
The Bible identifies the root cause of these various divisions as sin and rebellion against God. Without reconciling the foundational division between God and humanity, surface-level divisions cannot be truly healed.
God’s plan to bring unity
From beginning to end, the Bible reveals God’s overarching plan to undo the divisions caused by sin and bring creation back to unity under Christ. God promised that one of Eve’s descendants would crush the serpent and reverse the curse (Genesis 3:15). The stories of the Bible trace the history of God choosing and preparing a people for Himself in the midst of a fractured world.
The Old Testament follows the line of Abraham as God raised up Israel to be His people. Though Israel often rebelled, God gave them the law and prophets to instruct them in God’s ways. God intended Israel to be a light and blessing to other nations, ushering them under God’s rule (Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 49:6). Through their witness, Gentiles would come to know the one true God and be grafted into His people (Zechariah 8:20-23).
Ultimately, Jesus came as the awaited Messiah to fulfill Israel’s mission. Jesus preached the kingdom of God breaking into the world to make all things new (Mark 1:15). He lived, died, and rose again to make peace between God and humanity through forgiveness of sins (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). Now, all who place faith in Christ are united as one family of God called the church (Galatians 3:28).
The apostle Paul taught that this unity was part of God’s “plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in [Christ], things in heaven and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:10). One day, Christ will return to destroy all evil, renew the earth, and establish His kingdom forever in the new creation (Revelation 21-22). There, the divisions of the present age will be no more as people from every nation worship Christ together in perfect community.
How should Christians live amidst division now?
Living in a fallen world, Christians still struggle with divisions of all kinds. Congregations still experience conflict due to sinful attitudes among members. Prejudice and racism continue to bring separation and injustice. Different Christian traditions emphasize theological distinctives over gospel unity. Political loyalties often divide congregations.
How should Christians live and relate to others amidst such division? The New Testament letters offer practical instruction grounded in gospel hope:
- Have humility and patience with one another, bearing with those who are different (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12-13)
- Where sin has divided, seek forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24; Colossians 1:20-21)
- Preserve the bond of peace that comes from our shared identity in Christ (Ephesians 4:3; Colossians 3:15)
- Major on the majors by keeping our focus on the core truths of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Philippians 2:1-2)
- Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit to grow in Christlike character together (Galatians 5:22-26)
- Ultimately, show grace because Christ has shown grace to each of us (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32)
In a fractured world, the church should model community bound together by God’s love across every human division. By walking in humility, forgiveness, and grace, Christians point to the unifying power of the gospel. We demonstrate hope that one day Christ will make all things new.
Famous Bible verses about unity and division
Here are some key Bible verses about unity, division, and God’s plan to bring reconciliation:
- “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23)
- “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
- “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6)
- “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)
- “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
Old Testament examples of division
The Old Testament contains many examples of divisions resulting from sin as well as God’s efforts to bring reconciliation and unity:
- Cain and Abel: Sin divided the first brothers as Cain murdered Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-16).
- The Tower of Babel: God confused human language and scattered people across the earth to restrain their pride and rebellion all working together (Genesis 11:1-9).
- Joseph and his brothers: Jealousy initially divided Joseph from his brothers who sold him into slavery in Egypt. But later, Joseph forgave them and reconciled (Genesis 37, 45:1-15).
- Israel’s unbelief: Israel’s idolatry and lack of trust in God led to exile. But God promised to gather and restore them (Jeremiah 29:10-14).
New Testament examples of unity and division
The New Testament shows how Christ’s work brings reconciliation as well as ongoing challenges to unity:
- Jews and Gentiles: The early church overcame divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers. All were declared clean and united through faith in Christ (Acts 10, 15:1-21).
- Paul and Barnabas: A conflict over John Mark’s departure divided Paul and Barnabas into separate missionary teams. But Paul later affirmed Mark’s value in ministry (Acts 15:36-41; 2 Timothy 4:11).
- Corinthian church conflicts: Paul urged the Corinthian church to avoid division over leaders. Christ alone should unite them (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-9).
- Unity in Christ: Paul declared that God reconciled Jews and Gentiles to Himself and each other through the cross, making them one new people (Ephesians 2:11-22).
Tips for restoring unity amidst church divisions
When divisions happen within a church, here are some tips for members and leaders to help work towards reconciliation and unity:
- Approach conflict prayerfully and humbly while resisting temptation to gossip or take sides (James 1:19-20)
- Get a full understanding of each perspective in the dispute without prejudging (Proverbs 18:13)
- Focus on affirming core gospel truths and mission more than debates over secondary issues (Philippians 1:27)
- Confess faults openly, ask forgiveness, and extend grace to others (Matthew 7:3-5; Ephesians 4:32)
- Move forward in ways that promote unity and harmony between all sides (Romans 14:19)
- Submit to spiritual leaders who can help guide the body to reconciliation (Hebrews 13:17)
With mutual love, patience, and effort focused on Christ, unity can be reclaimed even after painful divisions within his church.
Bible teaching about avoiding division
Many biblical passages warn against attitudes and actions that sow division:
- Harboring jealousy, selfish ambition, and pride (James 3:14,16; Philippians 2:3)
- Spreading slander, gossip, and false teaching (Proverbs 16:28; Romans 16:17)
- Judging others over disputable matters of opinion (Romans 14:1, 13)
- Showing favoritism or bias between groups (James 2:1-4)
- Holding onto past hurts, offenses, and grievances (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15)
Instead, Christians are called to humbly serve one another in love, patience, and forgiveness. This fosters true unity that honors Christ and advances the gospel (John 13:34-35; Romans 15:5-7).