One reason some churches become weak is their unchallenged tolerance of people who create division among their members. This division is not about sharing differing opinions about life, politics, or personal preferences. It’s a division that creates doubt in a person’s mind regarding their relationship with the Lord. 

Scripture is not timid about this subject. It gives very strong instructions on how to deal with divisive people.

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong” (Romans 14:1). 

Arguing with someone about their opinions never accomplishes much, only more division.

“If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work” (II John 1:10-11). 

This can appear to be a rude and unloving response, but more is going on than offending our tender emotions. To encourage a divisive person can be seen as an alignment with their deception.

‘Take note of those who refuse to obey what we say in this letter. Stay away from them so they will be ashamed. Don’t think of them as enemies but warn them as you would a brother or sister” (II Thessalonians 3:14-15). 

In our dealings with divisive people, the condition of our hearts will be revealed. To prematurely label someone as our enemy will remove them from a sense of family. Without ministering to them in the context of a spiritual family, our words will sound harsh, unloving, and eventually, become unproductive.

^“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them” (Romans 16:17). 

There will come a time when a person’s continued divisiveness will require that we establish distance between us. 

This is never a quick decision. It is a process of redemption that attempts to rescue a person even as they continue to exhibit divisive behavior. Scripture reveals what leaders must do to protect the faith of the Church from the continued influence of an unrepentant person.

^“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them” (Titus 3:10-11).

Does this sound harsh? It will sound harsh if we have forgotten this kind of division is leading people away from Christ. Leaders will be held accountable if they neglect this issue. As uncomfortable as removing a divisive person from our fellowship can be, it must be done for the sake of the health of the Church. The Lord considers this a serious issue, an issue we should also consider serious. Only the truth and our adherence to the truth are what set the Church free.