Psalm 133:1 (NIV) How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Matthew 12:25 (NIV) Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
THE ENEMY'S STRATEGY
Division typically turns believer against believer.
Division distracts from the work of the Great Commission.
Division harms our witness to our hurting world.
Division causes us to cling to our idols.
Division beats down even the best leaders.
Division turns younger generations away from the church.
Division gives the enemy a victory.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
#1 - Examine Our Own Hearts.
Psalm 139:23 (NLT) Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Matthew 7:1-5 (NLT) “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.
2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
#2- Listen to Those with Different Opinions.
James 1:19-20 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Ephesians 4:29–31 (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
#3 - Accept Others.
#4 - Remember our Purpose.
#5 - Extend Grace.
