The phrase “be of the same mind” in Romans 12:16 refers to having unity and harmony within the Christian community. In the broader context of Romans 12, Paul is exhorting believers to live out genuine love through serving one another, exercising spiritual gifts, overcoming evil with good, and fostering humility and unity.
Specifically, Romans 12:16 states: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” This verse comes right after Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts and how the body of Christ should function in verses 3-8. He stresses the interdependence of all believers and the need to exercise humility. Then in verse 16 he directly calls for unity and warns against pride that disrupts unity.
The phrase “be of the same mind” can also be translated “live in harmony with one another.” The Greek word is “phroneo” which means to think, have an attitude, to be minded in a certain way. So Paul is exhorting the Roman Christians to have the same attitude, passion, and purpose towards one another. Instead of proud individualism, they are to foster a spirit of harmony, understanding, and common vision.
Some key ways this oneness of mind is demonstrated in the body of Christ:
1. Considering others above oneself – This ties back to Romans 12:3 where Paul urges humility and sobriety in thinking of oneself. The Philippians 2:3-4 also admonishes believers to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
2. Bearing one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:2 says to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Choosing to help carry the loads of others cultivates compassion and unity.
3. Being kind, tender-hearted and forgiving – Ephesians 4:32 commands God’s people to “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Actively walking in grace and forgiveness defuses tension and binds hearts.
4. Pursuing fellowship and harmony – Romans 15:5-6 requests that God would grant believers to “live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Regular meaningful fellowship unites minds and purposes.
5. Being like-minded in Christ – Philippians 2:2 appeals to believers, “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” The key to unity is having the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).
So in summary, for Christians to “be of the same mind” requires humbly considering others above self, bearing burdens, extending grace, pursuing fellowship, and being unified in Christ. This fosters harmony and oneness within the body of Christ.
The alternative is haughtiness and disunity which Paul warns against. Pride seeks personal advancement at the expense of others. It divides believers and dishonors Christ. So Paul charges the Roman Christians to live in congruity and harmony, having equal care and commitment to one another.
The body of Christ contains many members with different gifts and roles (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). But when yielded to Christ, this diversity actually promotes deeper unity and community. By relying on one another and willingly sacrificing for each other, Christians demonstrate Christlike oneness of mind.
Paul’s command for unity is rooted in believer’s shared identity in Jesus. He reminds the Corinthians “you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Because Christians are united to Christ, they are consequently united to each other. This oneness enables harmony of mind when believers humble themselves and honor one another.
Oneness of mind should characterize local church bodies as well as the global church. Despite differences in giftings, maturity, ethnicities, preferences and personalities – in Christ believers share the same salvation, Spirit, hope, Lord and Father. These powerful unifying realities enable congregations to walk, work, and worship in harmony as envisioned in Romans 12:16.
The witness and mission of the church is strengthened when communities of faith live out genuine biblical unity. Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17:20-23 underscores how the world comes to know Him when His followers are unified as He is with the Father. So it is imperative for Christians to lay aside pettiness and strive for oneness of mind.
The call to be unified is constant throughout the New Testament:
Romans 15:6 – “that with one mind and one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 1:10 – “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
2 Corinthians 13:11 – “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel”
Philippians 2:2 – “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
These passages demonstrate how vital unity and harmony are to faithfully representing Christ on earth. But the church’s witness is diminished and hindered when selfishness and dissension fracture congregations.
So how can churches cultivate deeper unity and oneness of mind? Here are some biblical practices that promote harmony:
– Regularly gathering together – Sin corrupts when believers isolate (Hebrews 10:24-25). Community protects.
– Sharing communion – Remembering Christ’s sacrifice unites His body (1 Corinthians 11:17-26).
– Confessing sins to each other – Bringing sins into the light defuses their ability to divide (James 5:16).
– Laboring together in ministry – Serving together in missions unifies hearts in Christ (Philemon 1:6).
– Affirming shared beliefs – Creeds articulate unifying truths, reminding believers of their spiritual oneness.
– Celebrating diversity within unity – Just as a body has many members, diversity strengthens unity in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-20).
– Praying together – Jesus promises He is present in the midst of two or three gathered together (Matthew 18:19-20).
Oneness of mind was Jesus’ desire for His followers. He prayed to the Father, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21).
When Christians humble themselves and honor each other above themselves, they live out Jesus’ prayer for unity. This oneness testifies to the love and saving power of the gospel.
So Romans 12:16 contains a critical exhortation. By laying aside pride and considering others’ interests as more important than one’s own, believers in the body of Christ can be “of the same mind.” This requires dying to selfishness daily through the Spirit’s help. But the blessed fruit is deeper fellowship, joy, community, and powerful gospel witness.
For the glory of God, every Christian should strive to obey Paul’s charge in Romans 12:16 – “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”