In the New Testament, the theme of avoiding divisions is a significant aspect of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The early church faced numerous challenges related to unity, and the Scriptures provide guidance on maintaining harmony within the body of Christ.

Biblical Exhortations Against Divisions

1. Jesus' Prayer for Unity: In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, emphasizing that their oneness would be a testimony to the world of His divine mission. He prays, "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me" (John 17:22-23).

2. Paul's Appeal to the Corinthians: The Apostle Paul addresses divisions directly in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, he urges the church, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction" . Paul highlights the importance of unity in the body of Christ, warning against factions and urging believers to focus on their shared faith in Christ.

3. The Body of Christ: Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. He explains that just as a body is one unit made up of many parts, so is the church. Each member has a unique role, and divisions harm the overall function of the body. "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26).

4. Warnings Against False Teachings: In Romans 16:17-18, Paul warns the believers to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them" . He identifies false teachings as a source of division and encourages the church to remain steadfast in sound doctrine.

5. Unity in the Spirit: Ephesians 4:3-6 calls believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . Paul emphasizes that there is "one body and one Spirit," underscoring the theological basis for unity among Christians.

Practical Steps for Avoiding Divisions

1. Pursue Love and Humility: Love is the foundation for unity. In 1 Peter 4:8, believers are instructed to "love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" . Humility, as described in Philippians 2:3-4, involves valuing others above oneself and looking to the interests of others.

2. Seek Reconciliation: Jesus teaches the importance of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24, advising believers to resolve conflicts before offering their gifts at the altar. This principle underscores the priority of maintaining harmonious relationships.

3. Promote Sound Doctrine: Adherence to sound doctrine is crucial for unity. Titus 1:9 emphasizes the role of church leaders in holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, to encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

4. Engage in Constructive Dialogue: James 1:19 advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" . Constructive dialogue and active listening can prevent misunderstandings and foster unity.

5. Pray for Unity: Prayer is a powerful tool for maintaining unity. Believers are encouraged to pray for one another and for the church's unity, following the example of Jesus' prayer in John 17.

The New Testament provides a comprehensive framework for avoiding divisions within the church, emphasizing love, humility, sound doctrine, and the pursuit of peace as essential components of a unified body of Christ.