< STRONG No, we must try to be in unity. (Biblical)
In John 17, Jesus prays to the Father for those He has given him (believers), asking that "they may be one as we are one...May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:22,23). We see that we are to be in unity with fellow believers.
Paul also prays, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus..." (Rom 15:6).
We must "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 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..." (Eph 4:3-6). This verse makes it apparent that Christians are called to be in unity with one another, for we have the same Lord, faith, baptism, and hope. We shouldn't be divided in our faith/beliefs, but unified, as Christ declares.
-JM
< But what should we do when we are divided?
There are different denominations and Christians differ over scripture.
< OK When unity cannot be reached, expel the wicked from among you.
Paul wrote to the Corinithians about dealing with sinful brothers (fellow believers). He told them that they "must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater, or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat" (1 Cor 5:11). Why? Because these men were hypocrites and not true believers, for if they were, they would not have continued in their sin. Paul goes on to say "Are you not to judge those inside [the church]? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you" (1 Cor 6:12,13).
The purpose of expeling a brother was so that his "sinful nature [would] be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord." It was an act of "tough love" so to speak; the brother after being expelled would hopefully come to his senses and repent from his sinful behavior.
Our goal is unity, however, as Paul demonstrates, if unity cannot be reached then we may dissociate from one another, but with the goal of being unified in the future.
-JM
< But this is dealing with sin, not beliefs.
< They still considered themselves believers, so their beliefs/views on what was right and wrong was the problem, not just their actions.
They also were proud of their sin, even boasting! (1 Cor 5:2,6)
>> WEAK Yes. They waste your time.
They will always oppose you.
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