Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.

From an early age, we try to train children and teens on the dangers of peer pressure. As they are growing and developing, we know the people they surround themselves with have a significant impact on the choices they make. As adults, we may think those struggles are in the past. We view ourselves as rational and independent thinkers. However, whether we realize it or not, we are often just as influenced by others as when we were growing up. We may know proper etiquette and dos and don’ts, but the influences of discontentment and divisiveness are infectious and destructive.

Paul’s warning to Titus on rejecting a divisive person was not out of a disdain for others but rather an ambition to pursue unity. We have to be careful about those we surround ourselves with and consider our behavior together. What do we talk about the most? Are we speaking words of life and wisdom, or are we speaking complaints and criticism? Do we think about how the words we say impact the people around us, or do we speak without much thought? James 3:8-10 gives us insight into why these words have such a big impact, it says, “But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” Our divisive words can feel like “no big deal” in the moment but the heart that these words come from does not glorify God and harms our unity with one another. As brothers and sisters in Christ, may we value and pursue unity instead of creating divisions between one another.

• Do you speak more divisively when you are among a certain group of people? Why or why not?
• What are some things you tend to be divisive about? How can you pursue unity in those areas?
• Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your tongue and help you become aware of the areas where you are prone to divisiveness.