Be of the Same Mind One Toward Another Romans 12:16

Paul the apostle told the believing people in Rome not to be, “slothful in business”, to be, “fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” while “rejoicing in hope” being “patient in tribulation” and “continuing instant in prayer” as they were “distributing to the necessity of saints” and “given to hospitality”. He added, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not” and to “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” In chapter twelve and verse sixteen of Romans, Paul tells the believers to, “be of the same mind one toward another” with others where we read:

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things,

but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

The verse begins, “Be of the same mind one toward another.” Paul began with the words, “be of the same mind” which means “exist with the idea of the selfsame and alike understanding, wisdom, thoughts, judgment and things sought and striven for” “one toward another” or “reciprocally and mutually”. Paul exhorted the believers in Rome to have “mutual and reciprocal” “understanding, wisdom, thoughts and judgment” toward each other.

The verse continues, “Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”. Paul added the words, “mind not” which means “do not have understanding, wisdom, thoughts, judgment and things sought and striven for” “high things” or “things which are lofty, exalted, uplifted, eminent and exalted”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction which means that which is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated” “condescend” or “be carried away with, yield and submit one's self to lowly thing, conditions and employment” “to men” which refers to “toward human beings whether male or female” “of low estate” which refers to “of low degree, those brought low with grief, depressed, and humble in spirit”. “Be not wise” or “do not become or come into existence and happen as intelligent, prudent and mindful of one's interests” “in your own” which refers to “within the believer in Rome's selfsame” “conceits” which means “own selves”. Paul exhorted his believing readers not to “be conceited” or to “strive for lofty and exalted” things, but rather “yield and submit themselves” to “humble” people who experience “grief and depression”

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how it was important to him that the believers be “like-minded” and not “haughty and proud” over others who are “lowly and humble”. Jesus Christ came to save everyone who “believes and trusts” in Him as “Savior and Lord”, and when they are saved, they are to be attentive, think about and make judgments” in one accord. Christians who read these words should know and follow Paul's instruction to the church and not be “superior” in their “minds” to fellow believers.

Next time Paul tells the believers in Rome to, “recompense to no man evil for evil”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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