Causing division within the church is a grave concern, as it threatens the unity and safety of God's people, much like islands surrounded by a vast, hostile ocean. The Apostle Paul warns against those who cause divisions and offenses, urging church leaders to note and even mark such individuals, as seen in Romans 16:17-18. He emphasizes that those who create discord do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ but their own interests, deceiving others with smooth words and flattery. Marking, an extreme form of disfellowshipment, is a public announcement to the congregation, highlighting the severity of causing division and offense when unresolved. In small congregations, where fellowship is limited, the impact of such divisions is even more pronounced, making it vital to avoid giving offense and to strive for unity and godly love among the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Causing division among God's people is a grave concern that disrupts the unity He desires for His children. Hate, as a motive, can create disunity between individuals and is viewed spiritually as akin to physical murder, causing love and unity to fail when focus on the work of Christ as Head of His church is lost. Carnality, still present in our hearts, must be diligently watched, as the old man in us dies slowly, potentially leading to friction. Judging one another, especially when no fault exists, can sow discord, though Christ alone should judge His people, except when those appointed by Him must step in to protect the flock from harm. Falling under the persuasions of the evil one is another source of division. Satan works not only to tempt God's people into sin but also to sow seeds of disunity, disrupting our walk with each other. By isolating individuals, he seeks to persuade them away from God, often causing a gradual drift from the church. The remedy lies in drawing close to the Father and Son, rebuking satan by putting on the whole armor of God to stand against his schemes. Avoiding those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to learned doctrines is a simple course of action to prevent such divisive influences, recognizing satan's tools of flattering speech and smooth words as deceptive. The human propensity to gossip, or more strongly, the sin of slander, is among the most common and destructive causes of division. Words that place stumbling blocks or damage another's reputation must be avoided at all costs. Mockers, walking not in the Spirit of truth but in their own lusts, cause division by their unbridled tongues, promoting evil. Speaking in love, however, builds up rather than destroys, training our minds to lean towards compassion rather than ridicule or casting others in a bad light. Other causes of disunity, such as jealousy, pride, inability to esteem others better than oneself, anger, and contentions over doctrines, also act as barriers to holding fast to faith, hope, and love for unity with God and each other.

Pride is a destructive force that often underlies many other sins, setting in motion a reaction against God that persists. A haughty look and a proud heart are sin, preparing the way for other sins as plowing prepares the earth for crops. Pride motivates us to exalt ourselves above others, to compete against them, and to reject truth in order to promote the self, even to the extent of gambling with our own and others' lives to achieve that end. In its manifestation, pride brings us into contention with God, exalting us to break His commandments, perhaps as a way of life. It will cause one to deny clear scriptural teachings to defend personal beliefs, reject the leadership given to the church as a gift from God, and strive for positions of leadership within the church. Pride exalts one against brothers in fellowship, preventing true love by fostering gossip, accusations, and a lack of fellowship. It drives contention over scriptures of little importance to salvation, where winning an argument becomes paramount to avoid losing face. As Proverbs 28:25 states, a proud heart stirs up strife, while trust in the Lord brings prosperity. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Whenever contention disrupts unity, producing confusion and frustration, the dominant attitude of pride is infecting the group. Pride always moves us toward self-benefit in this life, bringing us into conflict with others, whereas humility focuses on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, producing peace and joy.