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Ephesians 3 and 4 both contain passages that talk about growing into the “fullness” of God.
Ephesians 4:2,3 names elements that are important for that growth to happen — lowliness, gentleness, and longsuffering.
When lowliness is missing, our service becomes contaminated, we treat people roughly, we don’t listen well, and we don’t respond to correction.
When gentleness is missing, we’re too hard on people and assign motives when we shouldn’t.
Long-suffering needs to be loving, not resentful. When long-suffering is missing, we resent people, are quickly offended, and don’t give people time to grow.
All three of these elements are an important part of the endeavor to “keep the unity.”
Jesus is the ultimate example of gentle discipleship, long-suffering, and humility.