Jesus prayed for the early disciples that they would be one (Acts 17:11b). As the early church walked in unity great grace was on the believers ((Acts 4:32), the apostles preached with power (Acts 4:33) and thousands of new Christians were added to
the church (Acts 2:41). The apostle Paul exhorted the early church to walk in unity with no divisions among them (1 Cor 1:10). Jesus was clear on the results of division: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” (Matt 12:25; NKJV). God clearly hates discord and we are strongly warned not to spread discord (Prov 6:19). On the other hand, we are called to maintain the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3; NKJV). James, the Lord’s brother, wrote, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19; NKJV). Good advice!
We are to be careful not to give offence to anyone (Matt 17:27) and also to be careful not to take offence. “Sensible people control their temper, they earn respect by overlooking wrongs” (Prov 19:11; NLT). In all of this remember that we are to forgive as God forgives us. How many times should we forgive someone? Jesus told the apostle Peter to forgive 490 times (Matt 18:22); I think He meant forgiveness should have no limit. How do we avoid strife and offence? The Bible directs us to walk in Christ-like love (Eph 5:2) and focus on His word (Ps 119:165; Isa 26:3). Don’t condemn yourself, we all need to grow in the things of God!