Is the way of life in this world and the culture around us causing division in the church? The answer is, sadly, yes. We see it happening today in the areas of politics, race, and ideologies. These cultural forces are infiltrating local church bodies and reshaping how we live with one another. The truth is that secular culture has seduced the Christian community in ways that are now tearing us apart socially, relationally, and theologically.
We are witnessing broken relationships, church splits and closures, and professing Christians walking away from the faith into hedonism, idolatry, materialism, and radical individualism. Parents are at odds with their children, leaving family gatherings awkward and relatives estranged. This evil, divisive spirit is not just on the periphery—it’s at the core of our lives. As more and more Christians drink the deceptive Kool-Aid of culture, churches are transforming into “sacred” silos—isolated and fragmented instead of united in love.
But here’s the reality: the church is not meant to be a place of ideological division. It is meant to be a place of harmony, unity, love, and care. Jesus, in John 13:35, tells us plainly, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
The world may try to divide us, and the culture may seek to draw lines and create separation. But the church needs an urgent call back to the core of who we are: a people who love one another deeply, even when it’s hard, even when the culture around us pushes us to do otherwise.
This is not just a plea—it’s a mandate. We must return to obeying the command to love one another, look beyond the world’s evil divisiveness, and stand united in Christ. The church’s witness in this world depends on this.
The Root of Our Unity
Unity in Christ is not based on personal preferences, political affiliations, familiar pedigrees, or cultural similarities. It is rooted in the gospel. When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, he reminded them, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Our oneness is a spiritual reality rooted in God’s heart and work. The gospel reconciles us to God and to one another, breaking down the walls of hostility that once divided us (Ephesians 2:14-16). When we fail to embrace and rehearse this daily, we allow worldly divisions to override the truth of our shared identity in Christ.
So, how do we resist the pull of cultural division and walk in the love and unity Jesus calls us to?
Love One Another With a Gospel-Centered Love
Love is not a suggestion; it’s a command. Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). He didn’t say, love when it’s convenient, when it’s comfortable, when people are in full consensus with us, or love only those who think like you. No—he said to love as he has loved us. That’s sacrificial, steadfast, and supernatural love.
The culture around us thrives on outrage, hostility, cancelations, and selfishness. But in the church, we are called to a different standard. We are called to bear with one another (Colossians 3:13), forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32), and outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10, ESV). This is how we love in a way that defies division.
