Are You Creating Unity or Division?

The theme of “unity” has come up quite a few times over the past year or more in my readings, journaling, and prayer time. It’s not surprising due to the fact that there has been so much division in the world these days. So many things keep us divided…politics, racial issues, public health issues, gender and sexual identity/orientation issues, theology issues, etc. We truly are a broken world, and only God can mend and unite. He is the source of all unity, and he truly desires unity, not divisiveness.

Unfortunately some of the nastiest and most divisive people are Christians, which I believe saddens God. He wants us to be known by our demonstration of love.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35 (NIV)

I decided to compile my journal notes and scriptures on the matter to write about after experiencing and seeing some divisive interactions myself this past week. This week we’ll look at what God’s heart is on the matter of unity and some ways to measure our hearts and motives against scripture. In the next post, we’ll look at some practical ways to promote unity.

Divisive interactions

I’ve written before that I unfortunately get a lot of hateful emails and comments on my blog, many of them from Christians. I received yet another divisive comment last week (which was not approved/posted since it didn’t adhere to my comment policy). The comment seemed to serve no other purpose than to attempt to cause strife, division, and condemnation. It was definitely not helpful, encouraging, or promoting peace or love in any way to myself or my readers.

Additionally, I saw some other passive-aggressive comments responding to a photo that Beth Moore had posted on Instagram. It was a cute photo that her daughter had taken of her dog crammed in a chair behind Beth while she was trying to read her Bible. Someone had replied with a couple of comments about posting pictures of yourself reading your Bible, indirectly insinuating that maybe these are not genuine and that it puts focus on yourself instead of on God. These comments stirred up quite a storm of conflict, especially amongst Beth Moore’s fans against this commenter. Bam! Division! Strife created; unity gone.

I found myself asking, “Why do people do this? Why do they feel the need to say something…to correct or condemn others…to give their two cents? Do they genuinely think that their comments and interactions are helpful? Do they not see how this fuels a fire of conflict and division? Why do people get sucked in?”

It’s a trap of the devil that so many of us can easily get lured into.

Avoid the trap

Clearly if God’s desire is unity, then Satan will desire division. Therefore he sets traps to lure people right into division. Unfortunately so many of us take the bait. For that reason, we are going to have to be more intentional about when, how and IF we engage with others. We need to self-moderate and take appraisal of our motives and of the potential outcome of our actions, behaviors and communication and judge them based on God’s communication guidelines.

God desires unity for his people. Jesus prayed for unity for his followers. Some of his final thoughts before his death were on unity.

“And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants.” Jeremiah 32:39 (NLT)

“Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 30:12 (NIV)

“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21 (NLT)

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23 (NLT)

God calls us to show love and communicate with others in an encouraging way.

“…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29b (NLT)

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

“Do everything without complaining and arguing.” Philippians 2:14 (NLT)  

God calls us to be peacemakers, not troublemakers.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19 (ESV)

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

“And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].” James 3:18 (AMP)

Therefore, we must use wisdom and discernment (NOT our emotions) when engaging with others. Our interactions should demonstrate love and contribute to unity, harmony, and peace…NOT division. This might require asking ourselves things like…

Will this promote unity? Is this peacemaking or divisive? Will this stir up strife? Is this showing love? Will this help or hinder? Is this encouraging or condemning? Could my words be perceived as disrespectful or hurtful? Is it my place to make correction here? Am I just trying to argue, complain, or foolishly air my own opinion?

Other helpful scriptures on unity:

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.” Acts of the Apostles 1:14 (NLT)

“Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus” Romans 15:5 (NET)

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5 (NLT)

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 (NLT)

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NIV)

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17 (NLT)

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NLT)

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8 (ESV)

Take Some Practical Steps to See If You Are Creating Unity or Division:

• First, it’s important you know God’s heart on the matter of unity.

Study scripture on unity and being a peacemaker. Research the Bible on God’s heart for community. You can’t align yourself with God until you know and are convinced and convicted about where God stands on the matter. The scriptures and post above will help, but consider digging in a little deeper on your own too. To do this look up scriptures on keywords such as unity, peacemaking, community, communication, division, strife, conflict, etc. You can also search for Bible reading plans by keyword that can help guide you on the topic.

• Then it’s time to do some self-appraisals.

It’s imperative that you’re honest with yourself. What are the true motives behind your engagement and interactions with others? Do your motives line up with God’s heart and with scripture? Ask for God’s help in this process too.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)

“Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind” Psalm 26:2 (NIV)

• Next, think before you speak…or write—Follow the communication guidelines listed in the Bible.

Read some of the helpful guidelines and scriptures in this post.  When engaging or interacting with others (especially online), ask yourself if it follows scriptural guidelines.

Is it encouraging to the author and fellow readers?  Is it helpful or even necessary?  Are your words kind and loving?  Could your words be perceived as disrespectful or hurtful?  Are you writing them in anger?  Are you trying to get “revenge” or “teach” somebody a lesson?  Could you be perceived as a “know-it-all”?  Do your words promote peace?  Are you complaining or arguing?  Are you just trying to air your own opinion without regard for the opinion of others?  Could your words be described as harsh?  Could your comment potentially hinder another’s spiritual walk?

You should steer clear of interactions that scriptural guidelines say to avoid, and only write/say the type of communication that the Bible encourages.  If this is hard for you, it might be a good idea to write out scriptures on cards, and keep them near your computer or in sight when something tempts you to post or make potentially divisive comments.  Also remember…Just because you say “With all due respect” doesn’t mean that everything you say after that is respectful.  And ending with “God Bless” doesn’t excuse any negative comments preceding that “blessing”.

• After you have spent some time in self-evaluation, repent for any divisive behavior or communication that doesn’t promote unity, peace, or show love.

“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” Acts 3:19 (NLT)

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

“Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” Psalm 51:2 (NLT)

“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

“So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin]” Matthew 3:8 (AMP)

• Lastly, ask God to help you to avoid making divisive actions or comments. 

Let this verse be your daily confession/prayer:

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)

In the next post we’ll look at some practical ways to promote and create unity and how to avoid some divisive behavior.

What has God taught you about unity versus division? Share it with us by leaving a comment below!

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are rude, disrespectful, sarcastic, offensive, or off-topic.  By posting on this site you agree to my Comment Policy.

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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward!  Share this post via the sharing links below.  “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)