While God’s people are called to walk in humility, meekness, gentleness and forbearance toward everyone, Paul addresses where this is most important - among the people of God. The redemptive purpose of God to unite all things under the headship of Christ, begins with the new humanity He is creating as Christ builds his church. Therefore, Paul urges Christians to make every effort to maintain what God has already accomplished through the bond of peace (salvation) that Christ has achieved and the unity formed among God’s people by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.