Preserving Unity

What is perhaps the one thing that has destroyed more congregations of the Lord’s church than anything else?

Division.

Our inability to accept the diversity of opinions, personalities and liberties of fellow Christians causes the local church to fracture and come apart. When disagreements and disputes are not quickly resolved the result can be devastating. So how can we prevent such a disaster?

The answer can be easily found within the scriptures:

  • Follow Jesus' guide to conflict resolution - Matthew 18:15-20

  • Agree with your adversary quickly - Matthew 5:25

  • Do not return evil for evil - 1 Peter 3:9

  • Put up with each other’s imperfections with love - Ephesians 4:2

  • Forgive as you’ve been forgiven - Col 3:13

  • Restore the sinner in a spirit of gentleness - Gal 6:1

  • Strive to keep the unity of the Spirit - Eph 4:3

  • Avoid divisive members - Rom 16:17

  • Love as brothers, be tenderhearted and courteous - 1 Pet 3:8

  • Warn each other as you would family - 2 Thes 3:15

  • Willing to sacrifice your liberty for unity’s sake - Rom 14:21

  • Respect the leadership of your elders - 1 Tim 5:19

  • Pray for each other - James 5:16

  • Love each other as God has loved us - 1 John 4:11

Jay Launius 2020 Maud church of Christ Maud, Texas