Biblical Answer

The Challenge of Unity and Division

When it comes to unity and division, we are faced with a significant challenge. As individuals, we often find it difficult to reconcile our differences and come together as one. This is especially true when it comes to matters of faith and doctrine. In the Bible, we are told that unity is essential for the body of Christ, and that we must maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). However, this unity is not a natural or automatic occurrence. It requires effort and a commitment to work towards it.

The Power of Words

The words we speak have the power to uplift or tear down. As the Bible says, "The tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21). When we speak words of malice or division, we can cause harm and create walls between people. On the other hand, when we speak words of encouragement and unity, we can bring people together and build each other up. This is why it is so important to choose our words carefully, as Dan Allender and Tremper Longman encourage us to do. We must be mindful of the impact our words can have and seek to use them to build up, rather than tear down.

Prioritizing Unity

In order to prioritize unity over division, we must be willing to put aside our differences and work towards a common goal. This requires humility, patience, and a commitment to understanding and empathy. As the Bible says, "We must all put on humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2). When we prioritize unity, we are not saying that our differences are unimportant or that we should ignore them. Rather, we are saying that our unity in Christ is more important than our individual differences. By working towards unity, we can build each other up and become a stronger and more effective body of Christ. As the Bible says, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call" (Ephesians 4:4). Let us strive to prioritize unity and work towards building each other up, rather than tearing each other down.