16a Be of the same mind one toward another.
The original Greek words used by the apostle Paul can also be translated as “thinking the same thing to one another”. It is not an exhortation to think on the same thing, but a call to think of everybody in the same way. We must treat everyone equally. In the church, we are not to show favouritism or to prefer one group over another.
The church should not be divided along racial or cultural or economical or educational lines. The church must be united, irrespective of the differences in members’ backgrounds. The church is a place where people of diverse backgrounds ought to come together as God’s people united in truth and love. Every member of the church must sincerely endeavour to communicate with other members of the church with respect and love.
Paul exhorted the Philippian church, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). Paul also instructed them, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).
Major causes of disunity and conflict within a church (though she may be united in doctrine and purpose) can be traced to sin, pride, selfcentredness, selfishness, anger, bitterness, jealousy, competitive spirit, power play, unforgiveness, vengeance, etc. We must guard our hearts against all these destructive feelings and conduct, lest we become vehicles of schism within the church.
Internal discord is shattering to the church. Every church member must have a commitment to peace and unity within the church. Each of us must strive to be a peacemaker. We must pray that we will not be a troublemaker. A sincere commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation must characterise every Christian. The apostle Peter instructed in 1 Peter 3:11, “Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” We must not let unhappiness and hurt caused by others to grow into bitterness and vengeful behaviour. We must pursue the path of love, forgiveness and reconciliation. Likewise, we must cease from being jealous of and hostile to those whom God has been using increasingly. Let us pray that God will make us promoters of godly unity in the church.