Divisions within the body

Is it just me, or have you noticed more quarreling and divisions within the body of Christ lately?

I was reading in 2 Timothy:

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (2 Timothy 2:23-25)

Sometimes it is easier to keep our witness with those outside the church, that is with non believers than it is with some of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Just like the Corinthians, Christians still divide of both doctrines and opinions. Some important, much of it not as important. These divisions can split churches, split friendships, put a kink in our walk, a
heaviness in our heart and ruin our testimony to outsiders.

Paul was concerned about the church of Corinth. He said: For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: (2 Corinthians 12:20)

If the divisions and fighting we observe are not over critical core issues of Christianity, we'd best walk the other way, if we cannot encourage them to resolve it in a godly manner.

Again, the words of Paul to Timothy: But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; (2 Timothy 2:23-25)

God bless you all! :)
Beth

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