Letter From The Editor: Separation: When It’s Necessary and When It’s Against God’s Will

Mark 12:30 KJV  ³⁰And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. ³¹And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

 

Hello ePrayer Circle Tribe,

It’s a crisp morning, and as I sip my coffee, I’m reminded of how the simplest things can bring joy. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my bible studies that keep bringing me back to the subject of separation—both in the world we live in and among believers.

This election season has stirred many discussions, and while I’ve enjoyed the conversations with like-minded friends, I find myself longing for it to be over and people  return to unity in a world so divided. With wars, conflicts, and societal unrest, many are losing hope, facing financial, family, and health challenges.

As we approach the festive and  Christmas season, it’s easy to focus on surviving instead of thriving in relationships. Jesus taught us to live in unity, encouraging us to fellowship and support one another. Look closely at your circle—pray for God to keep it strong, and if needed, ask for His help to make changes.

Take a moment to breathe, to let go of the world’s troubles, and prepare to embrace the new year with joy and purpose. Jesus gave us two commands for healing and unity: love God and love each other.

Though we may sometimes need to separate from toxic influences, God’s will is for us to remain united with believers of good faith. When conflicts arise, we are called to reconcile, as taught in Matthew 18:15-17, and Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

In cases where reconciliation isn’t possible, or when we are unequally yoked with those living in sin (2 Corinthians 6:14), separation may be necessary for our spiritual health.

Reflective Question:
Are there relationships in your life where you need wisdom from God to decide whether to reconcile or separate?

However, separating from fellow believers who are of good faith and conduct is not God’s will. Instead, we are called to seek unity and love among Christians, even in the face of disagreements or hurt caused by human character flaws. 

 

Matthew 1:  15-17 KJV     ¹⁵Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ¹⁶But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ¹⁷And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Proverbs 27:17 KJV  ¹⁷Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

 

 

Separation Among Believers is Against God’s Will

Jesus emphasized the importance of unity among believers. He prayed in John 17:21 KJV that His followers “may be one” just as He and the Father are one. This unity reflects the strength of the body of Christ.

Sometimes, however, human nature causes disagreements, misunderstandings, or even hurt feelings among believers. While these situations are painful, they are not grounds for separation if both parties are in good faith and striving to live according to God’s Word.

In such cases, we are encouraged to forgive and reconcile, as we are all part of the same spiritual family. In some cases, if a person is not willing to do the right thing, the Word of God calls for separation. 

The Situation in the Corinthian Church

In 1 Corinthians 5 KJV, the Apostle Paul addresses the church in Corinth about a man living in blatant sin. He had a relationship with his father’s wife, which was an offense both against God’s law and the standards of morality. Despite this, the church had not taken any action to address the issue.

Paul rebukes the church for allowing the sin to continue unchecked, instructing them to take action according to the principles Jesus laid out in Matthew 18:15-17. He tells them that they should have dealt with the matter directly and, if necessary, separated from the man to preserve the spiritual integrity of the church.

Following Jesus’ Process for Reconciliation and Discipline

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-17 KJV provides a step-by-step process for dealing with conflict and sin among believers:

1. Go to the individual privately: Paul implies that the Corinthians should have addressed the man directly about his sin. If they had confronted him and he repented, reconciliation could have been achieved.
2. Take witnesses if he does not listen: If the individual does not repent after a private confrontation, Jesus instructs to bring one or two witnesses to establish the truth of the matter, ensuring fairness and clarity in addressing the issue.
3. Tell it to the church: If the sinner still refuses to listen, Jesus says to bring the matter before the entire church. In the case of the man in 1 Corinthians 5, Paul advises the church to take this step, calling for the man to be removed from the congregation due to his unrepentant sin.
4. Treat them as a heathen or publican: If the person remains unrepentant even after the church has intervened, Jesus instructs to treat them as a heathen or tax collector, meaning a separation from fellowship. Paul mirrors this in 1 Corinthians 5:5, where he says, “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” This indicates that separation is not meant to be punitive, but to lead to repentance and eventual restoration.

 Even though separation from the unrepentant sinner is necessary, it is intended to bring them to repentance and salvation. By taking these steps, the church protects its spiritual health while offering the individual a path back to reconciliation with God.  

The story in 1 Corinthians 5 reinforces the teaching of Matthew 18:15-17 about the importance of addressing sin within the church. If handled properly, confrontation can lead to repentance, reconciliation, and a stronger church body. However, if the individual refuses to repent, separation may be necessary, always with the hope of eventual restoration.

Have you ever had to follow Jesus’ steps of confrontation and reconciliation? How did it lead to resolution or further action?

 

When Separation does not lead to reconcilation 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

On the other hand, there are instances when separation is necessary for the believer’s spiritual health and protection. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (KJV) speaks to this situation:

2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV  “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 

 

Are there relationships in your life that require wisdom from God to decide whether to reconcile or separate?

 

ePrayer

Heavenly Father,
We come before You, asking for reconciliation among believers, families, friends, and our nation. Heal the divisions between us, and bring us back to You and to each other in love and unity. May Your peace and grace restore what has been broken. Guide our hearts to forgive, to seek Your will, and to live as one under Your truth. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

May Our Living Hope In Jesus Christ Find You Faithful,

 

Angela Clark, M.Ed.

 

Keywords: separation, daily word, bible verses, scripture, friends, christian separation, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 KJV explained, unity among believers, separation from unbelievers, when to separate from a relationship, forgiveness and reconciliation in the church, protecting your faith in relationships.

 

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  CALL TO SALVATION

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

Romans 10:9-10  9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation

 

John 3:5-6  5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.