Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2
“So if there’s any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
Unity is hard. Even among people who believe the same things about God, disagreeing about what to do next is almost inevitable. Paul knew this, which is why he gave the Philippians — and gives us — specific mental adjustments to make if we want to experience the kind of unity God desires.
1. Adjust Our Thoughts
“Be of the same mind” — this phrase literally means to think the same thing. Unity begins with agreement, and agreement begins with understanding.
Paul gives us a filter in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is any worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Two options exist for how we think: we can think from our own perspective — what’s best for me, right now, in this moment — or we can adopt God’s way of thinking. Romans 8:5-6 says it clearly: those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. One leads to death; the other leads to life and peace.
Colossians 3:2 reinforces this: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.”
When a group of believers consistently thinks about the things of God — not just their own comfort and preferences — their unified purpose becomes honoring God, and great things happen.
2. Adjust Our Passions
“Having the same love” — this is about what our hearts are set on. Unity is sustained when everyone shares the same passion for the same things.
But love is not merely an emotion. First John 3:14-17 teaches us that love is a choice — it’s deciding to put someone else’s needs above your own. When everyone in a group is making that choice consistently, unity follows naturally.
Disunity happens when everyone wants to be served and loved rather than serving and loving others. The pandemic showed us something beautiful: so many people willing to help, asking, “Who needs something?” The challenge is making that posture our default — not just in a crisis, but all the time.
3. Adjust Our Purpose
“Being in full accord and of one mind” — Paul uses nearly identical bookends to open and close verse 2. We start with “the same mind” and end with “of one mind.” The third adjustment brings us full circle.
Being “in full accord” means being united in spirit — not in the sense of the Holy Spirit, but in our own human spirit. We become one soul with shared desires, shared passions, and a shared purpose.
When a group of people acts as one — working toward the same goal — the impact on the world is enormous. As a church, our purpose must be God’s purpose: the gospel, God’s people, and bringing glory to Him. When we find others who share that passion, the connection is immediate and powerful.
Application
This message was delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its message transcends that season. If you are experiencing disunity — in your family, at work, or anywhere else — God’s answer is the same: make these three adjustments.
- Think the same things — fix your mind on what God says matters.
- Love the same things — choose to serve others above yourself.
- Pursue the same purpose — make God’s glory your central goal.
Unity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires work. But when a church — or a family, or any group — commits to thinking, loving, and purpose-driven together, God receives the glory and a blessing follows.
Scripture References
- Philippians 2:1-2
- Philippians 4:8
- Romans 8:5-6
- Colossians 3:2
- First John 3:14-17
Message from Grace Bible Church of Phoenix | May 3, 2020 | Pastor Josh White