What does it mean to be of the same mind in Romans 12:16?

Answer

In Romans 12:16, the apostle Paul writes, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (NKJV).

The phrase “same mind” does not imply that Christians should have identical opinions and views. Instead, it suggests that we should align our thinking with Christ, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6‭-7;ESV).

The Greek term for “emptied” in Philippians 2:7 is derived from keno, which gives us the word kenosis. Christ did not divest Himself of divinity (see John 1:14 and Colossians 2:9). Instead, He set aside the privileges and glory He had in heaven and “made himself nothing” «but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: », (Philippians 2:7) by assuming the role of a slave. Therefore, Christ’s voluntary humility was a self-renunciation rather than a relinquishment of divinity.

The humility of Christ is evident throughout the New Testament:

• Incarnation: The very act of Jesus taking on human flesh and living among us demonstrates His humility. Who would willingly depart from the splendor of heaven to enter a world tainted by sin, pain, and suffering? He did not do it for Himself. No, He did it to “give His life as a ransom for many” «even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. », (Matthew 20:28, ESV).

– Servant Leadership: Jesus consistently prioritized the needs of others above His own. For example, He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17), an act that symbolizes our involvement in His mission of sacrificial love and service to one another.

– Teaching on Humility: Jesus instructed His followers about the significance of humility. In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus highlighted that the tax collector’s humble prayer was more effective than the self-righteous prayer of the Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14).

Christ showed that true greatness lies in humility, selflessness, and sacrificial love. As Christians, we are urged to mirror His humility, considering others as more important than ourselves “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3, ESV). This is what it means to be of the same mind.

Romans 12:9–21 provides further insight into what it means to have the same mindset:

– Believers should have sincere love for one another. They should also detest what is evil and hold fast to what is good (verse 9).

– Believers should love one another as a family, showing brotherly and sisterly affection. They should also strive to surpass one another in showing honor (verse 10).

– Believers should be fervent in serving the Lord (verse 11).

– Believers should be joyful, hopeful, patient, and devoted to prayer (verse 12).

– Believers should be generous and hospitable towards one another (verse 13).

– Believers should bless those who persecute them (verse 14).

– Believers should share in the joys and sorrows of others (verse 15).

• Believers ought to live in harmony with one another and refrain from being proud or haughty (verse 16).

• Believers must not repay evil with evil. Instead, we should respond to evil with good (verse 17).

• Believers are encouraged to pursue peace with everyone, whenever possible (verse 18).

• Believers should not seek vengeance on their own. Rather, we should trust that the Lord will address our adversaries justly (verse 19).

• Believers should counteract enmity with acts of kindness, allowing God to use our benevolent actions to convict our foes (verse 20).

• Lastly, believers should not be defeated by evil, but conquer evil with goodness (verse 21).

In essence, being of one accord entails fostering unity, peace, and concord among believers. We should bear in mind that just as Christ sacrificed His life for us, we too should be willing to do the same for one another «Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. », (John 15:13).