One Who Sows Discord Among Brethren
The Word: “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
The Breakdown: The Bible gives several descriptions of the beauty of unity. For example, Psalm 133:1 states, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Acts records the unity of the early church: “all who believed were together and had all things in common” (2:44) and “were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common” (4:32). It is clear that God desires that His people dwell in unity. Therefore, He hates when discord (strife, disagreement, division, etc.) is sown and disrupts the peace and fellowship among the body of Christ and families. It causes believers to experience pain and it causes the church to misrepresent Christ. God hates the one who purposefully plans to spread division among those who dwell in unity.
Activate: Paul says to avoid those who sow discord among the brethren and states that they do not serve Christ (Rom. 16:17-18), and he provides practical instruction on how to deal with such people: “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” (Titus 3:10-11). Take heed to Paul’s instruction, watch for and warn those who cause division and don’t hang out with them because it is sinful and it is something God hates. Rather, surround yourself with people who love Jesus and experience the blessings of unity.
A Thought: Instead of causing division, believers are to “have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8). Do you have these?
