Disunity & Discord According to the Bible

   There’s an unnoticed reason in a church’s growth that most people overlook – church unity. God blesses a united church. Many churches have tremendous potential, but they never achieve what God desires because the members spend all their time fighting with one another.

   Money, heaven or hell which topic is covered the most in the Word of God? Did you realize that the Bible talks more about unity of the church than the previous listed? It’s that important. God’s Church is a many membered Body made up of imperfect people on a journey of sanctification! Conflict will come so we need to learn how to deal with disunity and discord quickly!

1. Avoid Circumstances That Cause Arguments. We need to always go from the Word, the Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (KJV) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

   Christian should avoid anything creating divisive arguments. If you are confronted by a divisive argument, refuse to get involved, we You don’t have to have an opinion on everything. Focus your talk on topics of the lasting and that unify!

1. B. Instruct Troublemakers How To Repent. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (KJV) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

   I am no different from most pastors, church leaders don’t like conflicts. But we as pastors or as Christians can’t run from conflicts; they must be dealt with quickly! As the more mature leaders we must mildly train those producing discord in the true and right way of the Lord!

1. C. Caution Those Causing Trouble That Their Negative Words & Actions Wound Others. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:14 (KJV) Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

   Christian must to recognize that their words have consequences, good or bad! Jesus taught us by their fruit you shall know them, speech is fruit of the heart!

1. D. Give An Appeal For Accord Not Disunity. The Bible says in Philippians 4:2 (KJV) I beseech Euodias (fine travelling), and beseech Syntyche (an accident – to chance together), that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

   Here were two very strong-willed women in the church, notice the full translation of their names! They were causing trouble – bringing disunity in the church that Paul’s instruction was for them to stay ONE through the Lord Jesus. When we come into discord in the church; understand it effects not just the combatants; it effects the whole church! Christian start taking sides, blaming others creating more problems!

1. E. Rebuke With Authority If Necessary. The Bible says in Titus 2:15-3:1-3(KJV) 15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. 1 Let no man despise thee. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

   When disunity arises, we will need to speak with all parties involved!

1. F. Eradicate The Rebellious From The Church If They Disregard After Two Warnings. The Bible says in Titus 3:10-11(KJV) A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

   The last resort to protect the flock is we may need to eliminate the argumentative person from the church. At all costs protection of the unity of your church must be kept always! If that means getting rid of the source of the discord, then do it.

The Scripture is very clear that as the church grows, Satan will do everything he can to create discord and division. Know this from church history even well-meaning believers, can be used as tools of Satan to hurt the body of Christ. As church leaders from pastors to elders and deacons, it’s our job to guard our flocks from Satan’s greatest weapon – DISUNITY. It’s not pleasant, but it’s what we’ve been ordained to do!

Acts 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.