Romans 15:4-5 “Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us. And may God, the source of patience and encouragement, enable you to have the same point of view among yourselves by following the example of Christ Jesus,”
I really like verse Romans 15:5. It is the main key for getting along with anyone in any situation. Having God help us follow Christ's example, and being able to come to the same point of view this way. Christ never pushed His message on anyone. He just presented the Truth and let people choose to accept or reject it. He never told someone they couldn't worship in the same church or in on the same hill with Him if they didn't agree with Him. There were always church leaders hanging around who didn't agree with Jesus, or even like Him, but He never told them they couldn't worship or listen to Him.
Imagine what would happen in Church board meetings if everyone followed Christ's example when trying to come to an agreement. Imagine if everyone asked God to take over and give them patience to solve a problem rather than trying to push their ideas and wants. If following Christ's example is what really went on during these meetings, people would listen with an open mind to what each other has to say. They would look at the situation from each other's point of view and try to understand where each other is coming from. Then they would prayerfully and patiently work together to find God's answer to the situation. Look at the following four texts;
Proverbs 15:18 “Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.”
Proverbs 25:15 “Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance and can even convince rulers.”
Ephesians 4:2 “Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.”
Not only in board meetings is patience needed, but also in family relationships and in friendships. Differing beliefs and ways of thinking can cause quite a strain in a family or a friendship if an attitude of patience and tolerance is not there. Some things need to be accepted as part of the person, while other things may need to be dealt with in a patient and humble way. You can't win someone over by fighting, pushing, and arguing with them. Luke 21:19 says, “By your patience you will gain your souls.” And again in 2Timothy 2:24 “As the Lord's servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher,” There's no Bible thumping, no pushing, no arguing your point, mentioned in these texts. It is by being a servant of Christ and “a good and patient teacher” that we can win souls.
Colossians 3:12 “You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
This is not something we just act out once in a while to impress someone. We are to CLOTHE ourselves with these attitudes. It is to be a way of life. The only way I know to do this is to pray daily for God to change our lives and make us into the kind of person He wants us to be. Depend on Him and patiently wait for Him to make the changes.