Unity in Christ: Confronting Strife and Division

Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the seriousness of strife and division within the body of Christ, especially as it relates to Proverbs 6 and the broader biblical witness. God calls us not just to worship with our lips, but with our entire lives—our actions, thoughts, and relationships. The Spirit of God desires a community marked by unity, humility, and love, not by jealousy, gossip, or internal conflict. When we allow strife to take root among us, we are not only acting in the flesh but also undermining the very witness of the church. Paul’s words to the Corinthians remind us that internal strife is a sign of spiritual immaturity and carnality, making us look no different from the world.

The Scriptures elevate the sin of causing strife to the highest degree, calling it an abomination—on par with idolatry, perversion of justice, and other grave sins. This is not a minor issue to be brushed aside or excused as mere personality differences or misunderstandings. The one who spreads strife, whether through lies, gossip, or divisive behavior, is described as wicked and worthless, and their actions are destructive to the community God treasures. God’s heart for His people is that we would bear with one another, pursue reconciliation, and value community as a lifeline, not as something disposable.

We are challenged to examine our own hearts and actions: Do we entertain gossip? Do we misrepresent others for our own gain? Are we quick to cut people off rather than draw them in for restoration? The call is to take seriously the damage that strife causes, to confront it with truth and gentleness, and to remember that Christ died to end the hostility between us and God. If He reconciled us to Himself at such a great cost, how can we justify perpetuating division among His people? Let us be peacemakers, reflecting the love and unity that Christ secured for us, and let us deal with strife as the serious, community-destroying sin that it is.

Key Takeaways

- Strife and Division Reveal Spiritual Immaturity
When jealousy, gossip, and internal conflict are present among believers, it is a sign that we are walking in the flesh rather than by the Spirit. Such behavior makes us indistinguishable from the world and undermines our calling to be a peculiar, set-apart people. The Spirit of God calls us to a higher standard, one that reflects His character and unity. [38:41]

- Causing Strife is an Abomination to God
The Bible does not treat the sin of causing strife lightly; it is classified as an abomination, alongside idolatry, perversion of justice, and other grave sins. This means that gossip, slander, and divisive behavior are not minor infractions but deeply offensive to God, who values the unity of His people. We must elevate our view of this sin and refuse to tolerate it in ourselves or in our community. [01:20:01]

- Falsehood and Gossip are Never Innocent
Lies, misrepresentations, and the spreading of others’ failures are always purposeful, often aimed at harming another’s character or advancing our own agenda. Even when cloaked as “venting” or “sharing,” such speech destroys trust and community. We are called to speak truthfully, to avoid mischaracterizing others, and to shut down conversations that seek to tear down rather than build up. [53:56]

- God’s Heart is for Restoration, Not Cancellation
While the world promotes a culture of cutting off those who offend us, the gospel calls us to draw near, to pursue reconciliation, and to bear with one another in love. True discipleship means inviting the difficult and the messy closer, not pushing them away, so that transformation can happen in the context of grace and truth. This posture reflects the heart of Christ, who reconciled us to God while we were still His enemies. [01:10:36]

- Judgment for Division is Certain, Even if Delayed
God promises that those who sow division and strife will face judgment—sometimes immediately, sometimes suddenly after a period of hiddenness. The Lord is patient, giving space for repentance, but He will not allow the destruction of His community to go unchecked. We must not mistake God’s patience for indifference; instead, let it lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to unity. [01:15:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer and Worship Reflection
[02:10] - Introduction to Proverbs and the Need for Wisdom
[05:30] - The Problem of Strife in the Church
[10:15] - Carnality and Spiritual Immaturity
[15:00] - Strife as Entertainment in Culture and Church
[20:30] - The Seriousness of Division: Biblical Warnings
[25:00] - What Strife Looks Like: Lies, Plots, and Gossip
[32:00] - The Destructive Power of Falsehood
[38:41] - Elevating the Sin of Strife: Worthless and Wicked
[45:45] - God’s View: Strife as an Abomination
[53:56] - The Impact of Gossip and Misrepresentation
[01:07:04] - God’s Heart for Community and Restoration
[01:15:18] - Judgment and Accountability for Division
[01:20:01] - The Abomination List: Context and Implications
[01:25:36] - Taking Strife Seriously in the Body of Christ
[01:33:01] - Prayer for Repentance and Unity
[01:35:17] - Communion: Christ Ended Our Strife
[01:37:12] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Seriousness of Strife and Division in the Body of Christ

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### Bible Reading

- Proverbs 6:12-19
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. 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.

- 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

- Philippians 2:2-5
Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Proverbs 6:16-19, what specific behaviors are listed as things the Lord hates, and which one is called an abomination?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 3:3, what does Paul say is the evidence of spiritual immaturity in the church?
3. In Philippians 2:2-5, what attitudes and actions does Paul say should mark the community of believers?
4. According to the sermon, how does God view the sin of causing strife compared to other serious sins? [[01:20:01]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God places the sin of sowing discord or strife among brothers in the same category as idolatry, perversion of justice, and other grave sins? What does this reveal about God’s heart for community? [[01:20:01]]
2. The sermon says that strife and division make the church look “ordinary” and “carnal,” no different from the world. Why is this such a serious problem for the witness of the church? [[38:41]]
3. The pastor mentioned that even when dealing with those who are wrong or in error, the Bible calls us to a spirit of gentleness and restoration. Why is this important, and how does it contrast with the world’s “cancel culture”? [[01:10:36]]
4. According to the sermon, what is usually the real motive behind gossip, misrepresentation, or spreading others’ failures? [[53:56]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do you ever find yourself entertaining gossip, misrepresenting others, or being quick to cut people off? What are some practical steps you can take to shut down these behaviors in yourself or in your circles? [[53:56]]
2. When you hear about conflict or drama in the church, is your first instinct to “sip the tea” or to seek peace and restoration? How can you change your response to better reflect Christ’s heart for unity? [[45:45]]
3. The pastor said that God’s heart is for restoration, not cancellation. Think of a relationship in your life that has been strained or broken. What would it look like to pursue reconciliation instead of writing that person off? [[01:10:36]]
4. The sermon warns that judgment for division is certain, even if delayed. How does this truth affect the way you view your own words and actions within the church community? [[01:15:48]]
5. The message calls us to be peacemakers. What is one specific way you can be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or church this week? [[01:37:12]]
6. The pastor mentioned that sometimes people need to be lovingly confronted and taught a better way, rather than just being “cut off.” Is there someone you need to gently confront or encourage toward unity? How will you approach them? [[01:31:05]]
7. Christ died to end the strife between us and God. How does remembering the cost of your own reconciliation with God motivate you to pursue peace with others? [[01:35:17]]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help you take strife seriously, to pursue unity, and to be a peacemaker in every relationship.

Devotional

Day 1: Causing Strife is an Abomination to God
God views the act of spreading strife and division within His community as an abomination, placing it on the same level as idolatry, injustice, and other grave sins. This is not a minor issue to be brushed aside or tolerated; it is a serious offense that destroys the unity and witness of the church. When we allow gossip, falsehood, or divisive behavior to go unchecked, we undermine the very community God has called us to build, and we risk His judgment. Let us take seriously what God takes seriously, refusing to minimize or excuse the sin of causing strife among brothers and sisters. [01:22:44]

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: Is there a conversation or relationship where you have allowed gossip, strife, or division to go unchecked? What step can you take today to address it in a way that honors God’s heart for unity?


Day 2: The Dangers of a Perverse Mouth and Falsehood
A perverse mouth, characterized by lies and misrepresentation, is not just a slip of the tongue but a deliberate act to harm others and stir up trouble. Such dishonesty is never innocent; it is aimed at destroying someone’s character, reputation, or relationships, and it is rooted in a heart that seeks its own gain at the expense of others. Whether by twisting words, spreading rumors, or sharing someone’s past sins, this behavior is destructive and sinful, and it has no place among God’s people. [53:56]

Proverbs 6:12-14 (ESV)
A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord.

Reflection: Have you ever been tempted to twist someone’s words or share information that could harm their reputation? What would it look like to choose truth and integrity in your speech today?


Day 3: God’s Heart for Community and Unity
God treasures community and unity among His people, calling us to humility, love, and consideration for one another above ourselves. Rather than cutting off those who are difficult or divisive, we are called to draw them in, disciple them, and bear with one another in love. The world may celebrate “cut-off culture,” but Christ calls us to a higher standard—one that seeks restoration, reconciliation, and the building up of the body, not its division. [01:10:36]

Philippians 2:2-5 (ESV)
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: Who in your church family or community do you find difficult to love or include? How can you take a step toward unity and humility with them this week?


Day 4: The Call to Address and Correct Division
Scripture commands us not to tolerate divisive behavior but to address it directly and biblically, seeking repentance and restoration. Ignoring or entertaining strife only allows it to fester and weaken the church, but lovingly confronting it—sometimes even removing a divisive person after warnings—protects the health and witness of the body. This is not about harshness, but about upholding God’s standard for His people and refusing to let sin go unchecked. [45:45]

Titus 3:10-11 (ESV)
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to lovingly confront or warn about divisive behavior? How can you approach them with both truth and grace, seeking their restoration?


Day 5: Christ Died to End Strife—Be a Peacemaker
Jesus gave His life to end the strife and hostility between us and God, making peace through His blood and calling us to be peacemakers in our relationships. If God did not leave us unreconciled but pursued us in love, how can we refuse to pursue peace with others? The gospel is our motivation and model for reconciliation, urging us to lay down pride, forgive, and seek unity as a reflection of Christ’s work in us. [01:35:17]

Romans 5:10 (ESV)
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Reflection: Is there someone with whom you are at odds or holding onto hostility? What is one practical step you can take today to pursue peace and reconciliation, following Christ’s example?

Quotes

But whether you're in the church or not, this is not the characteristic of Christ. And it is unacceptable. Whether it's a brother or an enemy. One of my favorite passages, we talk about this in Discipleship Proverbs 24, 17 and 18 says, Do not rejoice when your enemy falls. This is a hard one. Can we acknowledge that? That, like, you be, you be like. That's the spirit. The spirit be like, ha. And the, I mean, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. The flesh be like, ha. And the spirit be like, stop it. Put that hand down. Did you just celebrate the fall of somebody? Don't rejoice when your enemy falls and don't let your heart rejoice when he stumbles. Otherwise, the Lord will see and be displeased and turn his anger away from him. So if I can't rejoice over the downfall of my enemy, certainly I can't plot it. [00:50:04] (00:00:55 seconds) Edit Clip

God cares so much about community that anything that destroys it he hates. See we have to understand we minimize community. God doesn't. We act like community don't matter. God knows it is a lifeline. Right? And so God says within my community where I place my spirit where there should be unity. How dare you come in there and try to destroy people when I've called you to love people. And gossip and falsehood destroys community. [01:06:55] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

If we got the light, if we got the truth, if we're supposed to be discipling people, how are we pushing everybody that ain't there away from us? That is the people we're supposed to be calling in. Jesus said he saw that they were helpless and harassed like sheep without a shepherd. He did not say, let them stay. He said, so pray unto the Lord at a harvest that I might raise up workers to go and gather. If they unpeaceful, if they got problems, if they messy, you who are spiritual, go get them, bring them closer and teach them. [01:12:24] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

He puts the one who causes strife in the same pot as the dishonest business person, in the same pot as the homosexual, in the same pot as the idolater, in the same pot as the people who were burning their kids. He says it is all an abomination to him. And so we must take the sin of causing strife as serious as we take these other abominations to the Lord, for he classifies them equally as the same. [01:22:14] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

You know how I know that the Lord doesn't like strife? Because he died to end it. The Bible says that we were his enemies, alienated from him, hostile. But he demonstrated his love in that while we were yet his enemies, he died for us. While we were his enemies, he took stripes for us. While we were his enemies, he died for our iniquities. He died to end the strife and hostility that we had with his father. God didn't have it with us. We was the problem. And this is why he takes it so serious. How dare you keep going what I died to end? [01:35:12] (00:00:49 seconds) Edit Clip