by: Pastor Boniface

Be of the Same Mind

Phillipians 2:2 “Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

The Philippian congregation was generally a wonderful group of people. Phillipi was probably the best of them all. However, Paul was writing to these people with some measure of sadness because two ladies were feuding, and it was inexorably dividing the group into rival camps. In this section, the apostle is spelling out our Christian responsibility.

Notice that nowhere in the entire epistle to the Phillipians does Paul tell them, “Don’t come to church.” He did not say, “Split away by yourself.” That is what is happening in the greater church. Paul did not say, “Just go sit in your living room.” That is not an option with God. He tells us here that we have to look to and seek higher things. He says to let our conduct be worthy of the gospel that we say that we believe. 

Paul was strongly emphasizing the unity that should exist between believers and how they should single-mindedly strive together to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you expect or experience the benefit of God’s compassion to yourselves, be compassionate one to another. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded. Christ came to humble us, let there not be among us a spirit of pride.

 We must be severe upon our own faults, and quick in observing our own defects, but ready to make favourable allowances for others. We must kindly care for others, but not be busy-bodies in other men’s matters. Neither inward nor outward peace can be enjoyed, without lowliness of mind. Godly unity produces joy because it overcomes the sorrow of self-seeking and fulfills the true love of outgoing concern for others. Joy through unity comes when God’s people have all things in common—the same beliefs and desires working toward a common goal.

How far did Jesus Christ go to make peace? To the death! He did not allow the hostility of the world against Him to justify hostility against those who were mistreating Him.

FURTHER STUDY: Phillipians 4:8

WORD CONFESSION

I am like-minded with my brothers and sisters in Christ, having the same love and unity of purpose.