division

¹⁷But I beg you, brothers, to take note of those who cause dissensions and offenses contrary to the doctrine that you have learned, and to turn away from them. ¹⁸For ones such as these do not serve Christ our Lord, but their inner selves, and, through pleasing words and skillful speaking, they seduce the hearts of the innocent.

¹⁰And so, I beg you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that every one of you speak in the same way, and that there be no schisms among you. So may you become perfect, with the same mind and with the same judgment. ¹¹For it has been indicated to me, about you, my brothers, by those who are with Chloes, that there are contentions among you. ¹²Now I say this because each of you is saying: “Certainly, I am of Paul;” “But I am of Apollo;” “Truly, I am of Cephas;” as well as: “I am of Christ.” ¹³Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

⁹But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, as well as arguments against the law. For these are useless and empty. ¹⁰Avoid a man who is a heretic, after the first and second correction, ¹¹knowing that one who is like this has been subverted, and that he offends; for he has been condemned by his own judgment.

¹⁷But when he perceived their thoughts, he said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself will become desolate, and house will fall upon house.

¹⁶These ones are complaining murmurers, walking according to their own desires. And their mouth is speaking arrogance, admiring persons for the sake of gain. ¹⁷But as for you, most beloved, be mindful of the words which have been foretold by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁸who declared to you that, in the end time, there would arrive mockers, walking according to their own desires, in impieties. ¹⁹These are the ones who segregate themselves; they are animals, not having the Spirit.

³Be anxious to preserve the unity of the Spirit within the bonds of peace. ⁴One body and one Spirit: to this you have been called by the one hope of your calling: ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.

²⁴For if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom is not able to stand. ²⁵And if a house is divided against itself, that house is not able to stand. ²⁶And if Satan has risen up against himself, he would be divided, and he would not be able to stand; instead he reaches the end.

¹⁶Six things there are that the Lord hates, and the seventh, his soul detests: ¹⁷haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸a heart that devises the most wicked thoughts, feet running swiftly unto evil, ¹⁹a deceitful witness bringing forth lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.

⁹Everyone who withdraws and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. Whoever remains in the doctrine, such a one as this has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not be willing to receive him into the house, and do not speak a greeting to him. ¹¹For whoever speaks a greeting to him, is speaking with his evil works.

¹²Therefore, clothe yourselves like the elect of God: holy and beloved, with hearts of mercy, kindness, humility, modesty, and patience. ¹³Support one another, and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive one another. For just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also must you do. ¹⁴And above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵And let the peace of Christ lift up your hearts. For in this peace, you have been called, as one body. And be thankful.