What Does God say about divisions in our society?

We have separated ourselves by race, color, religion, political party, and on and on. Why? What does God have to say about divisions?

Jn 17:20-22, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” Is God not saying there is one world and His word is being preached so that all may find Him in it? Did He not give us all the same opportunity to accept His offer of eternal life as part of His family, no matter the color of our skin, or any other differences we may perceive? Is it not our choice, is He not asking us to choose to be part of His family? Separating ourselves means we choose to live our own way, or one of the many other ways that have been established to lead us away from God, instead of His way and the peace and joy it brings. He has warned us against going our own way, Prov 14:12, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

1 Cor 1:10-13, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” Is God divided? Where do we find Jesus telling us that His church should be divided? Why would we follow any other voice? Who is kinder, who is more forgiving? Who loves us more?

Tit 3:9-11, “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Why would we choose to argue about the things we do not fully understand? Is He not telling us these kinds of arguments lead us to divisions and that we only condemn ourselves when we use His Words to create stumbling blocks for our brethren?

1 Cor 12:23-26, “And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.” Is God not asking us to care for one another? Can we stand by and watch any person suffer injustice and do nothing? Would there be a need for divisions if we all followed God’s calling? Is God not asking us to consider our arrogant behavior of thinking others to be less honorable? Where does God ask us to judge others? Matt 7:1-2, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Can we not see how our judgments lead us to divisions and ultimately to being judged? Like the early white settlers acceptance of black slavery leading to some blacks today hating whites. What is gained from judging others?

Col 3:12-15, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” Is God not telling us we are one body united by one Spirit and that when we accept this truth we will live in peace, humble, meek, longsuffering and always with a spirit of forgiveness?

Comments, opposing opinions and suggestions for future topics are all welcome at: bill@reasoningwithgod.com.

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