Has there ever been any kind of contention in your congregation? That happens, and in the churches it has always happened, even Paul admonished the Corinthians for this practice. But something important we should understand is that the fact that these things happen does not mean that they are normal, acceptable, or pleasing before God. Conflicts are a reality because we are human, but they must never become the culture of the church.
We are the Church of Christ, the body of the Lord, and we must behave as such. One of the most important commandments Jesus gave us is: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” When strife enters the church, when gossip, criticism, division, jealousy, and rivalries begin to arise, we deviate from this divine commandment. We stop reflecting Christ and begin reflecting our flesh.
Paul told the Corinthian church:
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10
Paul pleaded with the Corinthians not to allow divisions among them but to remain united. The apostle understood very well how the first church lived and grew. The book of Acts tells us that they were “of one accord” — united in purpose, united in prayer, united in love. That was the model of the early church, and Paul knew that nothing threatened that model more than division.
From the very beginning, the enemy has tried to destroy the unity of the church. He knows that a divided church is a powerless church, a church without direction, a church that loses its testimony. But a united church becomes unstoppable, a church that advances, a church that shines, a church that demonstrates God’s glory in the midst of a dark world.
This is why Paul insisted so strongly that the Corinthians walk in unity. He was not simply giving advice; he was issuing an apostolic command. Unity is not optional. Unity is not something we “try” to have. Unity is a responsibility, a calling, and a mandate given by God to His people.
The church is not a social club where everyone follows their own ideas or personal preferences. And although it is true that each one of us has a unique personality, perspective, and way of seeing things, there is something greater that must govern all of us: the mind of Christ.
This is why Paul also wrote:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5
If every believer pursued the mind of Christ—His humility, His love, His tenderness, His patience, His forgiveness—then most of the conflicts and arguments that arise in the church would disappear instantly. The problem is not that believers disagree; disagreements happen. The problem is when ego, pride, self-interest, and stubbornness take the place of humility, kindness, and reconciliation.
Paul wanted the Corinthians to speak the same thing—not because everyone must think identically, but because the church must speak the language of the gospel, the language of love, the language of faith, the language of unity. When we let the Word govern our speech and actions, unity becomes possible.
Beloved, let us examine our hearts. Are we promoting peace or division? Are our words healing or wounding? Are we building up the church or tearing it down? Unity is not achieved by pretending problems do not exist, but by facing them with love, forgiveness, and humility.
Let us return to the example of the early church—united, persevering in prayer, walking in love, and lifting up one name alone: the name of Jesus Christ. Where Christ is exalted, division dies; where love reigns, unity flourishes; where humility governs, the church grows strong.