I was emailing a friend recently about conflict and division, and something occurred to me. There are two types of divisiveness in the Bible. Take a look:
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (Titus 3:9-11)
The first type of divisiveness is obvious.
The verse shows a certain type of divisiveness is “sinful.” It’s called “foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law.” Can you have a conversation about a genealogy that is NOT sinful? Obviously, you can. Can you talk about the law in a way that honors God? Yes! However, there is a way to use these (or any topic) to create conflict, quarreling, and strife among the brothers and sisters of Christ. That is a sin!
However, there is another kind of “divisiveness” in this verse.
Paul says, after you’ve warned a person who is engaging in sinful divisiveness you should “have nothing to do with them.” What do you do with a divisive person? You divide from them. This type of “divisiveness” is righteous because it disconnects the unhealthy behavior from believers and the church.
A sinfully divisive person will almost always claim that their target of abuse represents a danger to the body of Christ. Claims of doctrinal purity are at the heart of these talks. So, how can we tell the difference between righteous division and sinful divisiveness? I’ve produced a list of opposing couplets to help you see the difference between Righteous Division and Sinful Divisiveness.
Righteous Division has an identifiable moment of decisive separation.
Sinful Divisiveness is usually a festering process that takes time to produce action.
Righteous Division is fueled by compassion for those who need to be protected.
Sinful Divisiveness aims to gain or maintain power, reputation, or influence for oneself, a group, or a leader.
Righteous Division is done reluctantly after other options are exhausted.
Sinful Divisiveness is done without expending all other unifying alternatives.
Righteous Division is a transparent process where all parties are aware of the conditions and terms.
Sinful Divisiveness thrives on secrecy, private conversations, half-truths, and gossip.
Righteous Division is enacted with the full awareness of the offender and a response is welcomed.
Sinful Divisiveness excludes the target from the process and does not allow for a response.
Righteous Division is enacted with sorrow and a desire for restoration.
Sinful Divisiveness is done with a sense of hidden pleasure and is addictive.
Righteous Division offers the opportunity to change before the split comes.
Sinful Divisiveness is usually presented as urgent and unavoidable.
Righteous Division allows repentance and restoration even after the split.
Sinful Divisiveness is presented with a sense of unchangeable finality.
Hopefully, these couplets help you see the difference between these two very different things. Sinful divisiveness, like all sin, has an addictive quality. Breaking an addiction is no easy task. Our victory over this sin can start today. If you think you or those you love might be entangled in sinful divisiveness, I would encourage you to take a step back and pray about it. God can give us the strength to break free from this terrifying path that leads to the unneeded destruction of our God-given unity.
