"Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." (Titus 3:10-11)

You know that guy? The one who seems to enjoy finding the cracks in every group, the stress points, the small disagreements, the old wounds -- and then bringing them up over and over again until he breaks the group or the friendship or the church in half?

Yeah, that guy (or girl). Paul wanted Titus to give that guy in the Cretan churches two chances and then let him go. That guy is serious trouble for churches and groups of friends. If nobody's fighting, he's kind of bored. If everyone is just getting along, he's not having a good time. He lives for the drama of collapsing relationships.

Paul calls him warped, sinful, and self-condemned. In other words, he's not good to have around. The person who wants to break up your family shouldn't be allowed to stay in the house for very long.

Think: How many people do you know who seem to enjoy breaking up groups or friends? Have you ever noticed that tendency in yourself?

Pray: Ask God to help you not to be a divider but to find joy and purpose in keeping groups of Christians together and being a peacemaker.

Do: Ask a parent or other Christian adult if they've ever seen anyone who seemed to enjoy intentionally causing division in churches or among groups of Christians.