“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Romans 16:17 ESV).
The apostle Paul gave two instructions concerning those who cause divisions and upset people’s faith: First, watch out for them. Literally, keep an eye out for them. And second, stay away from them. Avoid such people. Paul knew that such people did not serve Christ. For Christ calls us to unity in Him.
The prayer of Jesus in John 17 was that we would be one as He and the Father are one. He said that the world would know us by our love for each other. Yet when we have divisions and contrary teachings among us, we are becoming like the world. So keep your eyes peeled for those who would divide and upset our unity. Stay clear of them.
PRAYER: Father, help us to stay at the table and reconcile any disunity within the fellowship. We want to see the prayer of Christ fulfilled among believers. Give us wisdom to keep an eye out for those who cause division and to know when to correct them and when to avoid them. In Jesus’ name, amen.