Division in church, as defined by Christian understanding, is sinful personal alienation between Christians.
This division isn't merely a disagreement on minor points; it is a deep-seated problem characterized by affective conflict. It is rooted in sinful attitudes that originate within individuals, such as:
- Envy: Resenting another person's blessings, status, or success.
- Pride: An inflated sense of self-importance, leading to a refusal to yield or humble oneself.
- Selfish Ambition: Prioritizing one's own desires, position, or agenda over the unity and well-being of the church community.
These internal attitudes manifest externally through negative personal behaviors and feelings towards fellow believers. The provided reference points to manifestations like:
- Personal resentment: Holding grudges or feeling bitter towards someone.
- Malice: The desire to harm someone.
- Bitterness: A feeling of sharp or cynical disapproval or contempt, often arising from resentment or sorrow.
The source material explicitly links these roots and manifestations to the sin described in James 3:14-16, where such wisdom is characterized as earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, leading to disorder and every evil practice.
Understanding Church Division
Unlike healthy debate or differing perspectives on non-essential matters, division in the church is destructive because it damages relationships and undermines the witness of believers. It focuses on personal grievances and rivalries rather than the unifying principles of faith, love, and shared purpose in Christ.
Roots and Manifestations
| Root Cause (Sinful Attitude) | Manifestations (Negative Behavior/Feeling) | Scriptural Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Envy | Resentment, Bitterness | Jas. 3:14-16 (Implicit in "disorder and every evil") |
| Pride | Malice, Resentment | Jas. 3:14-16 (Implicit in "disorder and every evil") |
| Selfish Ambition | Resentment, Malice, Bitterness | Jas. 3:14-16 |
This kind of division creates walls between believers, hindering authentic fellowship and collaboration within the church body.
Why Division is Problematic
- It contradicts Christ's call for unity among His followers (John 17:20-23).
- It provides a poor testimony to the outside world.
- It disrupts the work and health of the local church.
- It grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-32).
Addressing Division
Since division is rooted in sinful personal alienation, addressing it requires confronting the underlying attitudes and behaviors. This often involves:
- Repentance: Individuals acknowledging and turning away from the sinful attitudes (envy, pride, selfish ambition).
- Forgiveness: Extending and receiving forgiveness for hurts caused by divisive behavior.
- Humility: Prioritizing reconciliation and unity over personal position or desire.
- Focusing on Christ: Shifting focus from personal grievances to the shared identity and purpose in Jesus.
Division is a serious issue in the church, stemming from internal sin that damages relationships and hinders unity.
