If even the best Christians disagree, how can we who are weaker maintain unity? The answer is, “By ourselves, we cannot” (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:16; 3:5). The rest of the answer is this: God empowers us beyond anything humanly possible. Through Christ, we all “have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). He answers prayers “to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16). He “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). In any conflict, you cannot control others, but you can be purposeful about improving yourself. Ask the Father to begin with you. The Holy Spirit already is transforming you while you look to Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). Intensify your gaze. As you submit more fully to His will, the Spirit produces fruit that benefits unity.
“The Spirit produces fruit that benefits unity.”
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control … (Galatians 5:22-23).
Realize that you are at war, but not against humans. They are casualties in the war, victims of the real enemy, the devil. They need love, prayers and help, not angry retaliation. Treat them as you would like to be treated, with gentleness and respect (Luke 6:27-31; Titus 3:2; James 1:19-20; 2 Peter 2:25). In spiritual warfare, we win by wearing the “whole” armor of God and by depending on divine power.
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:10-12).