Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 

Romans 16:17-18 

As Paul concludes his letter, he reminds us to avoid those who would create unnecessary division in the church. “Keep your eye on those who cause dissension and hindrances…” This is good instruction, especially in a culture that seems to thrive on division and hatred. Consider the following passages regarding division:

1. Christians should not be divided

Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you…

                                                                                                         1 Corinthians 1:10a 

It is not difficult to understand…Christians are not to be divided. There is only One Christ and He is not divided. But the arrogance, selfishness, and pride of mankind serves only to create division, make unreasonable demands of others, and proclaim ourselves to be “in the right.” However, in spite of all the divisive discourse, everyone who belongs to Jesus belongs to the same spiritual body. 

2. Unity is in what we are to strive

…being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

                                                                                                   Ephesians 4:3 

It is our responsibility to preserve unity. We are to be diligent in this effort. We do this by remaining peaceable and reasonable with others. When disputes and dissensions arise, we are to think, speak, and act as mediators and purveyors of unity. When given the opportunity, we should attempt to find common ground with those around us. And, of course, the ultimate commonality for believers is the Person of Jesus Christ. 

3. Our actions have consequences 

A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends. 

                                                                                                       Proverbs 16:28 

Our speech and actions can affect other people. This proverb gives us wisdom when it comes to handling troublemakers and reminds us all to avoid such behavior. Spreading strife and separating intimate friends is not for what Christ gave His life. We are to give thanks for His love and then use that gratitude as a means for keeping unity with those with whom we have common faith. Those who thrive on strife, arguments, and division prove themselves to be void of spiritual health. The church should be a place for restoration and reconciliation, not strife and separation. 

4. Quarrels are not beneficial to spiritual life 

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 

                                                                                                               2 Timothy 2:23

At times, we may face people who seem to want nothing more than to argue. These individuals will argue about anything, sometimes taking a position of condescension and superiority. But we are to refuse foolish speculations that do nothing but serve to divide those who would otherwise be unified. Quarrels are not beneficial to spiritual life therefore they should be avoided if at all possible. Hearty debate and civil discussion can be quite helpful but these situations should be closely monitored in an effort to keep them from digressing into unproductive sessions. 

5. Avoid controversial topics and people 

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 

                                                                                                                       Titus 3:9-11 

Some people just like being controversial. But believers should be cautious when dealing with these individuals. We are to avoid foolish controversies and disputes about the Law. And when it comes to those who are determined to be factious, we need to reject their efforts to destroy unity. Paul describes these people as “perverted”, “sinful”, and “self-condemned.”

Dissensions, hindrances, divisions, strife, and quarrels do not promote the spiritual health that is to be found in the church. These things serve only to hurt the faith of some and repel unbelievers from the message of the gospel. Let’s be a people who promote unity and understanding, legitimizing the message that we are proclaiming to the world!