WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HANDLING DIVISIVE PEOPLE WITHIN THE CHURCH?

 

Biblical teaching generally instructs believers to avoid and reject those who are persistently divisive in the church after proper warnings have been given. Rather than an obligation to maintain close association, Scripture mandates a process of discipline that leads to separation if the individual refuses to repent, as persistent division threatens the health and witness of the entire church body. 

Biblical Mandates for Handling Division

Several key passages explicitly command believers to distance themselves from those who cause discord:

• Titus 3:10-11: Believers are instructed to reject a divisive person after giving a first and second warning. Paul describes such individuals as "warped and sinful" and "self-condemned".
• Romans 16:17-18: Paul urges the church to "watch out" for those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to sound doctrine and to "keep away from them".
• 1 Corinthians 5:11: Believers are commanded not to associate—or even eat—with anyone who claims to be a brother but is a "reviler" (one who is verbally abusive or slanders).
• 2 Timothy 3:1-5: In describing those who are boastful, arrogant, and irreconcilable, Scripture commands to "avoid such men". 

The Process of Withdrawal

Separation is not the first step; it is the final result of an unrepentant heart following a process of attempted restoration:

1. Vigilance and Awareness: Believers are told to "watch out" and be alert for those who cause dissension.
2. Loving Admonition: The initial reaction should be love and wisdom, offering godly counsel to the person.
3. Formal Warnings: A divisive person must be warned once, then a second time.
4. Final Rejection: If the individual persists in rebellion after warnings, they are to be "rejected," which means putting them outside the care and fellowship of the church community. 

Defining a "Divisive Person"

Scripture distinguishes between simple disagreements and destructive divisiveness. A biblically "divisive" person often exhibits specific traits:

• Obsession with Controversy: They have an unhealthy craving for fighting over words and foolish disputes.
• Self-Serving Motives: They serve their own appetites or personal interests rather than Christ.
• Rejection of Authority: They often work outside the church's authority structure and may attack leadership.
• Doctrinal Departure: They promote ideas that create obstacles to the true gospel. 

Purpose of Separation

Separation is considered a protective measure for the church and a potential path to redemption for the offender. By removing the "poisonous influence," the church maintains its unity. For the divisive person, the intent of this "shunning" is to lead them to repentance by showing them they have cut themselves off from God's people. However, while formal association is cut off, believers are still encouraged to pray for the divisive person.