Dissension
Dissension is divisive conflict or factional strife within a community. In Scripture it is treated as a sinful threat to the unity, peace, and love that should mark God’s people.
At a Glance
Dissension is divisive conflict or factional strife within a community. In Scripture it is treated as a sinful threat to the unity, peace, and love that should mark God’s people.
Description
Dissension in the Bible describes divisive conflict, factionalism, and strife that damage fellowship and undermine the unity God desires among His people. Scripture consistently warns against this kind of behavior, especially in the church, where pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, and anger can produce quarrels and parties instead of peace and mutual edification. At the same time, not every disagreement is itself sinful; faithful believers may differ on some matters and should address those differences truthfully, humbly, and lovingly. The biblical concern is with a divisive spirit that promotes rivalry and fractures the body rather than pursuing truth, holiness, and peace under the lordship of Christ.