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Unity - United in love and purpose - vs - Division- Dissension, disunion
Division

A word that is so ingrained in our society today. The world is so wrapped up in it that all we do is tear one another down to validate our platforms.
Republicans tear down Democrats, and Democrats tear down Republicans…If you watch debates, it is more akin to a WWE or UFC press conference than any semblance of a logical debate.

We avoid dialogue and pursue the destructive patterns that reinforce division.If it were only limited to the political spectrum, then maybe it wouldn’t be so tragic, but if we are honest-The Church has allowed Division to creep in and lay waste to our effectiveness in so many ways that I cannot even begin to list all the manners of division in which we have prostituted ourselves into accepting.

As troubling as this reality is, God warns us against Division and calls us into Unity for His glory's sake and the sake of the world around us. When we set a precedent of loving God, each other, and our neighbors, God will use this to reduce division and restore unity.

Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

If someone is being divisive, we should strive to avoid and distance ourselves from them. Division is toxic and contagious. If you want to see an ineffective church, be divided. Notice that Paul stated that they create obstacles. The depth of truth in that statement is so rich. Division hurts the church and creates obstacles for the church and those that God is calling into the faith. Good example- How many of us have heard people say stuff like:
Why would I go to church? They can’t even get along with each other. Or The church is full of ….. Hypocrites….

In response, we turn to Paul for guidance on reducing division and promoting unity within the body of believers.

Romans 12:1-2
We must be determined to submit our whole selves—mind, body, and soul—to proper worship of God by rejecting the cultural bend toward division. We must be transformed by God through submission to His Spirit, study of His Word, and accountability to one another in love.This is foundational for our pursuit of unity. If we do not prioritize our worship of God in this manner, we will degenerate toward the world's natural pull. There is no neutral position.

Romans 12:9-10
Notice the bookends- | Genuine Love - Love One Another |Between this emphasis on love, Paul instructs us to abhor evil and hold fast to what’s good. It’s as if the text implies that God-centered love toward others is good, simultaneously implying that the opposite of that is evil, and we should hate or flee from that posture.
Love unites us-Love for God, Love for each other, and Love for our Neighbors
What does love look like in the life of the Church?
Romans 12:11-21
Love is Active, Hopeful, and generous
Love forgives, blesses, and shares in the joys and struggles of life
Love lifts others
Love seeks peace whenever possible
Love serves others
Love overcomes evil with good
Love increases Unity
Love for God, Love for each other, and Love for our Neighbors
Love changes everything


In a season filled with division, we must respond differently. The world needs us to be united in love. The lost are searching for a light in the darkness of division, and the Church must come together to shine that light in an increasingly dark world. Not only does the world require our unity in love, but God has commanded it. He will use our love-driven unity to transform the eternities of those around us. Will we choose to be united in love and reject the cultural temptations of division? The world is watching, waiting, and hoping—some are hoping we will fail, while many are hoping we will demonstrate the power of God through our unity in love.

Application:

Love God
Love each other
Love your neighbor