A Simple Reflection on Discord and Unity Among Believers
Have you ever felt a pit in your stomach when you see Christians arguing and fighting with each other? Maybe it’s on social media, in church, or just in conversations that go sour. If you’ve ever wondered why this makes you feel uncomfortable—or even sad—you’re not alone. As someone who believes in Jesus, my spirit cringes when I see discord among those who call themselves followers of Christ. Here’s why, in plain words.
The Pain of Division
When Christians argue, it’s not just a normal disagreement. It’s like a family falling apart right in front of you. The Bible tells us that God wants us to love each other and be united, so when we see fighting, it feels deeply wrong. It’s not just about people having different opinions; it’s about love being replaced by pride, harsh words, and broken relationships.
What the Bible Says About Discord
The Bible is pretty clear: God hates it when people stir up trouble among His people. In Proverbs, it says He especially dislikes “one who sows discord among brothers.” Jesus Himself prayed that all His followers would stick together and be “one” so the world would know God sent Him. When we split into camps and start pointing fingers, we go against what Jesus asked for and what God wants.
Why Discord Hurts So Much
· It goes against love. Jesus said the most important thing is to love God and love each other. When we argue and fight, that love disappears. Instead, we get suspicion, judgment, and hurt feelings.
· It ruins our example. Jesus said people would know we are His followers by how we love each other. If outsiders see us fighting, they might doubt everything we say about faith and love.
· It stops us from growing. When there’s a lot of arguing, we don’t become better people. The good things God wants to grow in us—like patience, kindness, and joy—can’t develop in the mess.
· It hurts the whole church. The Bible says we are like a body: when one part hurts, the whole body feels it. When there’s division, everyone loses.
Why It’s Harder Today
Nowadays, it feels like arguments are everywhere. Social media, podcasts, and TV make it easy to pick sides and shout louder than ever before. Sometimes it’s even Christians who stir up the most trouble—often using religious words to defend being harsh. This makes the pain of division even sharper.
What Jesus Shows Us
Jesus didn’t go around picking fights. He loved people, forgave them, and showed kindness—especially to those who messed up. He cried over people who missed out on peace, not because of their politics, but because their hearts were hard. The Bible tells Christians to put away anger, bitterness, and mean words. Instead, we’re supposed to be kind, forgiving, and gentle.
How We Can Respond
So, what can we do when we see—or feel—division among Christians?
· Be humble. Being humble doesn’t mean you have to give up your beliefs, but it does mean listening, admitting you could be wrong, and being open to learning.
· Make peace first. If there’s a fight, try to fix it. Jesus said it’s more important to make things right with others than to just do religious things.
· Use kind words. The Bible says our words should help and build others up, not tear them down. In a world full of shouting, a gentle word is powerful.
· Pray for unity. We can ask God to help us love and stick together, even when we’re different.
· Remember the real goal. Being a Christian isn’t about winning arguments; it’s about showing people Jesus through our lives.
Choosing a Better Way
It’s easy to get fed up or become bitter when we see Christians fighting. But if your spirit cringes at this, it’s actually a good sign: it means you care about what Jesus wants—for His people to be united in love. Let’s try to be the kind of people who bring peace, not more division. Let’s choose kindness over “being right,” and work to be healers in a world that already has too much fighting.
If you’ve ever felt sad or upset about Christians not getting along, you’re not crazy or weak. You’re feeling what God feels. Let’s ask God to help us cringe not just at the division around us, but at anything in ourselves that adds to it. Together, we can be part of a better story—one marked by love, unity, and grace.
Minister A Francine Green
July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 