When Paul is urging his churches to commit to unity, he uses a word, ἀνέχομαι, which is usually translated “bear with”, as in “bear with one another”. This translation is rather bland and polite.

ἀνέχομαι is a fairly strong word. It means “endure something unpleasant,” “endure a trial.” This is the word that is used in the Septuagint of Genesis where Joseph is overcome by emotion; his brothers are telling him their story and he cannot endure (ἀνέχομαι) the emotions that he is feeling, and he breaks down.

When Paul says ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων ἐν ἀγάπῃ (“bear with one another in love”), he’s not just talking about quirky personalities and personal foibles. (Those are part of the picture, but it’s much deeper and more drastic.) To follow his instruction, we must be prepared to ENDURE WITH LOVE other Christians who offend us, who are disagreeable or foolish (from our perspective).

(We would never admit that some people are [at least in a minor way, though not always] trials that we must endure, but in our heart of hearts we know it’s sometimes true.)

And this word, ἀνέχομαι, does not imply that there will EVER be agreement.

Think of the brother or sister in Christ who is a trial to you:

You may never come to agreement, you may never see things the same way. Love them and accept them, bless them and pray for them, celebrate their victories and mourn their losses ANYWAY.

In so doing, you follow the example of Jesus, who did not come to be served but to serve.