Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)

The Church is all about unity – oneness with Christ and with each other – and those who cause divisions, create a serious problem, for divisiveness is conflict and conflict creates factions; something the Church condemns. Anyone who causes divisions in the Church does so not by the fruits of the Holy Spirit, but through sinful flesh, selfishness, and guided by pride. Thus, St. Paul warns the faithful to “avoid” such persons.

Keep in mind that the unity Christ calls us to is not a “unity at all costs.” There can be no unity without “Truth,” nor found in compromising the integrity of Christ’s Gospel. Therefore, in some cases, putting someone out of the Church, an action that would seem born out of divisiveness, is necessary to preserve unity. Toleration of sin and false teachings does NOT promote unity within a congregation and Church discipline, including excommunication, at times might be the best course of action for the sake of all.

In the words of the proverb, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28). Those who purposefully cause division, incite discord, or provoke rancor are rebelling against God’s design for the church.

Fr. John