Divided for Unity

51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided , three against two, and two against three.
53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

The dividing will be of those who believe in Christ Jesus from those who do not. We are called to be separated out of the world unto God and to follow Jesus our good shepherd. Hopefully our families will be saved too. My parents came to the Lord after I was saved. Sometimes though, families are divided by unbelief. We are not called to strife and divisions, but to be one in unity with Christ.

John17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

We may be hated by others for our belief and witness for Jesus, but those of faith should show love for one another. We are to love our family in the Lord and we are to love all people, for God is love. We do not love their sin, for we are of the light. We can love those who oppose our Lord, but we cannot have fellowship with them.

2Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
2Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

If we live a holy life, many old friends will part from us. Some will actively oppose Jesus, trying to destroy our faith. We are to avoid these, because it brings strife. Give them love and tell them about your reason for receiving Jesus as Lord and savior. If they wish to attack this, then just avoid them. Paul and Jesus moved on, so should we.

Mar 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Mar 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mar 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.