In 2 Cor 10 , Paul models before the brethren "the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use" and encourages them to use divinely powerful means ( prayer, faith, and love) to overcome rebellious ideas and disobedience. He says God's power can "break down every proud argument" and "lofty idea" that keeps people out of fellowship with Him. Paul says that in this way, we can "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ".