1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (NASB)

The first chapter ended with Paul exhorting them to live a life worthy of the Gospel. Building from this, Paul called them to pursue unity.

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Unity of Mind

“..by being of the same mind.. intent on one purpose..” (v2)

The words mind and purpose in verse 2 come from the Greek word φρονέω (phronéō), which carries the idea of directing one’s mind toward something.

Here, Paul called them to be of the same mind—agreeing together, cherishing the same views, and being harmonious in love and devotion to Christ.

Having studied psychologies in college, I can’t help but recall groupthink—“a phenomena where a group prioritizes consensus, harmony, and conformity over critical thinking.” In that framework, constructive debate would supposedly lead to better and more intelligent decisions.

I was once deeply engrossed in psychologies, and it shaped much of how I viewed life. It took years for the scales to fall from my eyes—to forsake psychologies and embrace the sufficiency and inerrancy of God’s Word. Even now, I am still learning. 

Through the years, I’ve come to realize that differences and conflicts can still exist even within the body of Christ—even among regenerated believers. I say this not to affirm psychologies but to submit to God’s Truth that the church is made up of many members with different gifts and functions for His kingdom purposes (Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

And yet, Paul still calls believers to unity.

Not a forced uniformity in personality or preference but one shaped by love for Christ and a renewed mind (Romans 12:2). 

While disagreements may still happen in God’s church, I’m led to ask:

“How have I been pursuing unity especially with brethren I do not fully agree with?”

“Am I quick to divide over differences? Or am I learning to walk in humility, patience, and love?”

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Unity of Heart

“..maintaining the same love, united in spirit..” (v2)

The word ἀγάπη (agápē) refers to a love marked by goodwill and care for others—one shared among believers within the body of Christ. This is the same word Paul used in Philippians 1:9 when he prayed for their love to abound more and more in full knowledge and discernment.

Related to this is the Greek word ἀγαπάω (agapáō), the verb form Jesus used in the Gospel of John 15:12 when He commanded His disciples to love one another. The word carries the idea of actively loving others—welcoming them, seeking their good, and caring for their welfare.

Pursuing unity is not only intellectual. It reaches the heart.

It is easy to love people when they are easy to love, or when we naturally get along with them. But even in the midst of differences, disagreements, and resentments within Christ’s body, believers are still called to pursue unity of heart.

Not a forced or artificial friendliness, but one driven by obedience to Christ, who commanded us to love one another just as He loved us (John 15:12). As we obey Him, our love for one another becomes a witness before the world that we truly belong to Christ.

This leads me to ask,

“How am I continuing to love people, especially brethren I have had conflict with?”

“Am I willing to fellowship with brethren who are usually outside my circle?”

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Unity through Humility

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (V3-4)

The word selfishness—or selfish ambition in the Legacy Standard Bible—comes from the Greek word ἐριθεία (eritheía), which carries the idea of insincerity, divisiveness and putting oneself forward. This is the same word Paul used in Philippians 1:17 when he spoke of preachers proclaiming Christ out of selfish ambition. 

Next, empty conceit—or vain glory in the LSB—comes from the Greek word κενοδοξία (kenodoxía), which refers to empty or groundless pride.

Paul calls believers to forsake both.

Instead, he urges them to walk in humility (ταπεινοφροσύνη, tapeinophrosýnē)—a lowliness that comes from recognizing this: all we have, especially salvation, is by grace through faith—a gift from God, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). When convinced of this, we can then count others as more important than ourselves and consider their interests—perhaps even over ours. 

This is easier said than done. 

I once asked my cell servant, “Ate, how were you able to continue serving even after being hurt?” 

One of my mentors once explained to me, “It’s like seeing someone drowning. Even when you know it would inconvenience you, you would rather dive in to save them than stay comfortable.” 

That image stayed with me.

The call to continue loving and serving people who have hurt or disappointed me remains a learning point. And perhaps it will continue to be throughout my life.

But I trust that the Lord will continue His work in me through His Word.

I trust that I can continue pursuing unity through humility and self-denial, not because I am sufficient but because Christ has already finished the work.

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We end with Paul’s opening words:

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion…” (V1)

The word if (Greek: εἰ, ei) introduces a condition Paul assumes to be true. These realities already exist in believers because of Christ.

Pursuing unity, then, is not merely human effort. It is the fruit of God’s work within us—through the encouragement found in Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit, producing renewed minds, genuine love, and humility.

And as we pursue unity, we not only fulfill Paul’s joy, but also reflect the work of God in us.