In a world filled with political and social division, true freedom and unity are found only in Jesus Christ. Discover how living in the freedom of Christ, resisting division, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit allows us to thrive in a divided world and reflect God’s unchanging truth.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
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Introduction
We live in a world filled with division. News headlines are full of violence, anger, and mistrust. People are divided by politics, culture, economics, and even personal preferences. It seems harder and harder to find common ground. But the call of Jesus is different. As followers of Christ, we are invited into a life not defined by division, but by freedom, unity, and the Spirit’s power.
The truth is, there will always be billions of perspectives because every person sees the world through their own experiences. But while perspectives may differ, truth does not. There is only one eternal truth: God’s Word. And it is through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that we can rise above division, living in unity, peace, and hope.
Today, we will look at three ways Scripture calls us to live above the world’s division:
- Walking in the freedom we have in Christ, not the world.
- Resisting division and embracing unity in Jesus.
- Living by the Spirit in a divided world.
Freedom in Christ, Not the World
We start by looking at the freedom we have in Christ, not the world, by reading Galatians 5:1, which says:
Galatians 5:1
(1) It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Paul wrote these words to Christians in Galatia who were being pressured to add rules and rituals to their faith. They were being told that faith in Jesus was not enough; that they had to live under the old law to be truly right with God. Paul reminded them that Christ alone sets us free.
This is still true for us today. The world tells us that freedom comes from independence, wealth, or political power. But those freedoms can be taken away. They are fragile. The freedom Jesus gives is deeper. It is freedom from sin, shame, and fear. It is freedom to live as children of God, no longer slaves to the opinions, conflicts, and power struggles of the world.
Think of how many people put their hope in the promises of leaders or in the outcome of an election, only to be disappointed when those promises fail. But Jesus never fails. His freedom does not change with culture, laws, or governments.
Your political stance, your social group, or your past mistakes do not define you. You are defined by the freedom Jesus won for you on the cross. That means you can face the pressures of this world with peace, knowing that your true identity is secure in Him.
This week, when you hear news or conversations that stir up division or fear, remind yourself out loud: “I am free in Christ.” Use that moment to turn your heart back to Him and rest in His unchanging truth.
When we live in this freedom, we are less likely to be trapped by division. That leads us to the next point, resisting division and embracing unity.
Resisting Division, Embracing Unity
The Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 to resist division and embrace unity. He writes:
1 Corinthians 1:10
(10) I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
The Corinthian church was divided over leaders, teachings, and personal preferences. Paul pleaded with them to stop arguing and be united in Christ. His words are just as relevant today. Division is the enemy’s favorite weapon. He knows that a divided church is a powerless church.
Unity does not mean we all think alike or share the same perspective on every issue. It means that despite differences, we remain anchored to the one truth, Jesus Christ as Lord. The beauty of the body of Christ is that it brings together people from every culture, background, and walk of life. Our differences, when surrendered to Jesus, can actually strengthen the Church by displaying the breadth of God’s love and wisdom.
Picture a choir. Each singer may sing a different part, soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. Alone, each voice might seem incomplete. But together, under the direction of the conductor, the voices create harmony. In the same way, the Church is meant to be united under the direction of Christ.
Instead of focusing on where you disagree with someone, focus on the shared truth that Jesus is Lord. Remember that your brother or sister in Christ is not your enemy; division is the enemy.
Reach out to someone this week who has a different perspective from you. It might be political, cultural, or even within the church. Listen without arguing. Pray with them. Look for a way to affirm the unity you share in Christ rather than the differences that could divide you.
But how do we actually live this way when the world is so hostile and divided? We cannot do it on our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit.
Living by the Spirit in a Divided World
Paul writes to the Galatian church in Galatians 5:22-23:
Galatians 5:22-23
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Paul contrasts the works of the flesh: anger, selfish ambition, dissension, and factions, with the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit produces qualities in us that directly counteract the division of the world.
When we are filled with the Spirit, we respond differently than the world expects. Where the world says, “Fight back,” the Spirit leads us to gentleness. Where the world promotes bitterness, the Spirit brings peace. Where selfishness dominates, the Spirit produces kindness. Living by the Spirit makes us living testimonies of God’s transforming power.
Think of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. As stones were hurled at him, he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” That is the Spirit at work, responding with love where the world expects hate.
Your life can be a light of peace and hope in a divided world. Every time you choose patience over anger, kindness over insult, or faithfulness over compromise, you reflect Jesus and give the world a glimpse of God’s Kingdom.
Pray each morning this week, “Holy Spirit, fill me today. Let Your fruit be evident in me.” Then look for one opportunity each day to choose the Spirit’s way instead of the world’s way.
Conclusion
Division is everywhere, but it does not have to be within us. We have freedom in Christ that the world cannot take away. We are called to resist division and pursue unity in Jesus. And we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently, shining the light of Christ into a dark and hurting world.
As followers of Jesus, our lives should be marked by freedom, unity, and Spirit-led living. When the world looks at us, they should see something different: the love, peace, and hope of Christ.
This Week
Each day this week, pause and ask yourself: “Am I reflecting freedom in Christ, unity in Jesus, and the fruit of the Spirit today?” Then choose one concrete way to live this out, whether it is speaking peace into a divided conversation, forgiving someone who has hurt you, or showing kindness where it is least expected.
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