Going in Grace

Today we’re talking about unity in the Body of Christ. Why? Because the effectiveness of God’s people depends on it. Division is one of Satan’s oldest tactics. He used it in Eden, he used it among the disciples, and he’s still using it today—in churches, homes, and communities. But we’re not ignorant of his devices. Today, we’re going to expose his strategy and reclaim the power of unity.

Satan knows that a house divided cannot stand. Jesus said it plainly in Mark 3:22-27. In this account, scribes, religious leaders are claiming that Jesus is casting out demons because He himself is empowered by a demon. And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

Division weakens our witness, drains our energy, and distorts the image of Christ we’re called to reflect. Paul warned the Corinthian church about this in 1 Corinthians 1:10: “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Unity isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a spiritual weapon. When we’re united, we reflect the heart of God and frustrate the plans of the enemy. Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17:21: “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
Did you catch that? Our unity is evangelistic. It tells the world that Jesus is real. When believers work together—across denominations, cultures, and personalities—we become a living testimony of God’s love and power.

Psalm 133:1 says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” And verse 3 adds: “For there the Lord commanded the blessing—life forevermore.” Unity invites blessing. It’s not just functional—it’s spiritual. It’s sacred. Now let’s get practical. Conflict is inevitable. But division is optional. Jesus gave us a blueprint in Matthew 18:15–17: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” (v.15) “But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’” (v.16) “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”

Here’s the process:
• Step 1: Go privately. Don’t gossip. Don’t post. Go. Talk to your brother or sister and seek reconciliation.
• Step 2: Bring wise counsel. If the two of you cannot resolve any issues alone, then bring wise counsel that you both respect into the conversation. This is not to gang up, but to mediate.
• Step 3: Involve spiritual authority. If wise counsel doesn’t work, then let the church help restore.
• Step 4: If reconciliation isn’t possible, release with grace. Not bitterness.

When God says let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector, He is saying understand where they are coming from and treat them with dignity anyway. The people of God are respectful people. We don’t trash, back bite or harm anyone, including those who try to do these things to us. We allow the Lord to judge between us. Isaiah 33:22 says “For the Lord is our Judge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, The Lord is our King; He will save us."

This isn’t just conflict resolution—it’s soul care. It’s about restoring relationships, not winning arguments.
Let me leave you with Ecclesiastes 4:9–10a: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” We need each other. Your gifts, your voice, your presence—it matters. The Body of Christ is not complete without you. So let’s fight division with love. Let’s confront conflict with courage. Let’s choose unity over ego, restoration over retaliation, and grace over grudges. Because when we work together, God is glorified. The enemy is defeated. And the world sees Jesus.

Thank you for joining me this week. If you have found value in this message, share it with a friend. This week, be courageous and keep the unity! You've been listening to Going in Grace. Be sure to visit us online at brandistover.com.