article by site founder, Connie Rice
Scripture is clear that as Christians, we are to be unified as one body, each surrendered to the One who was tortured, died in our place, and overcame both sin and death so that we could be freed from the power of sin, have peace and joy in the midst of a broken world, have purpose in our lives, and also have the hope of eternity in heaven with Him. Jesus said we will be known by our love for one another and by our fruit. So why is there so much division among believers and churches? Well – we all have a sinful nature and an enemy who is always looking for a way to create division among God’s people and in His churches. Sadly, many self-professing Christians are more vulnerable to Satan’s lies and deceptions because they do not know God’s Word well enough to have discernment and as a result, tend to follow the world’s ways and/or justify their sins rather than obeying Christ’s commands. Scripture teaches unity among believers.
“ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus’ words to His disciples before His Ascension in John 13:34-35“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
1 John 1:5-10
Every one of us have a sinful nature, making us prone to being prideful, stubborn, self-serving, critical, and arrogant. We can be quick to judge others and react impulsively. It is hard to see and admit our own faults and weaknesses because we really want to see ourselves as being a “good person”. Some do not want to think about evil, so choose to just ignore it and others are unaware of the enemy’s tactics and are unprepared for them, making them all vulnerable. How many of us have unknowingly become patsies for Satan in His rebellion against God instead of becoming more like Christ so that we can exhibit His love, mercy, grace, and patience to others and prioritize His Kingdom work in this life so we can bear fruit that lasts forever?
“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. ‘Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’’’
Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:18-23
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
John 12:24-26
Think about it – God doesn’t need us, but allows us to take part in drawing people to Himself. What an honor! Everyone will suffer, but as a Christian, we recognize Christ’s suffering on our behalf and know that when we fully surrender our lives to Him, seek Him with our whole heart, mind, strength, and soul, and lean in to Him – He fills us with His peace that this world cannot know and blesses, guides, and strengthens us, never wasting any pain. He allows trials that grow us, make us more humble, and prepare us for what He knows is in our future. In the process, as we trust Him, He reveals more of Himself to us. How heartbreaking that so many walk away from the faith without ever really experiencing this precious relationship with their Savior because they turned away from Him instead of running to Him.
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from His works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:9-13
Let’s remember that Jesus created us, knows everything about us, and yet holds open His arms to receive us into His family. Let us trust the One who has already shown His love for us so that our relationship with Him becomes so deep that we would be willing to give up everything and suffer anything rather than deny Him. ”Redeem TV” is a free faith streaming service. The videos there on stories of missionaries, great heroes of the faith, Christian history, etc. can inspire us to make the most of our lives here. Other helpful resources include “They Were Christians: The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women Who Changed the World” by Cristóbal Krusen (founder of “Messenger Films”) and “Freedom: The History of Western Liberties” by Kevin Swanson (founder of ”Generations”). Another great resource is “The Power of Knowing God” by Tony Evans – it is both helpful and powerful. For free 24/7 streaming of Creation content that supports the biblical account, go to the ”Creation Science Network”. The more we see of what God has created, the more we see His genius and our awe of Him continues to grow.
“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
John 4:13-23
Time is short – end times prophesies are lining up to be fulfilled as we see an increase of natural disasters, increase of evil, violence, & despair, attempts to create a global government, many people of no or other faiths coming to Jesus, revivals in multiple areas, and apostasy (individuals and churches turning away from the clear teachings of Scripture). A line in the sand is being drawn and God is trying to show people their need for Him. Throughout Scripture, God warns HIs people before judgment. We need to be prepared by reading and studying the Bible and being part of a body of believers as we are stronger together. Just like predators look for one of a flock or herd that is isolated from the rest, Satan continually seeks ways to wedge his way in to create division within relationships and churches. From personal experience, I can say that it’s not uncommon for people to be hurt by the actions of other Christians and churches (all made up of sinful people). Instead of being part of Satan’s attempts to divide, may each of us step back and pray for all involved, and wait on God to work things out His way and in His timing. He is always faithful to provide for and guide those who are truly trusting in Him and obeying Him.
“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:5-11
We should read or reread the short book of James about taming our tongues and pray for the Holy Spirit to help us follow its teachings. We need to be on guard to take every thought captive to Christ. Our actions and speech can bring division in our relationships and churches, giving the enemy a foothold in a situation or our actions and speech can bring prayer and encouragement, pointing people to Jesus. Let’s be determined to love one another with Jesus’ love through the amazing power of the Holy Spirit, a gift to all believers. Let’s not be unknowing patsies for Satan, partnering in his plan of division, deception, destruction, & death in the world. Instead, may we love one another, giving glory to God, from which love and goodness originate.
“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.”
James 1:26
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
© Constance Rice 2025
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