Paul has now turned a corner in this epistle to begin issuing imperatives. Chief among his charges: unity! Unity requires humility, patience, gentleness, and the desire to bear with one another — even when difficult. 

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:2–6, NIV)