Live in Harmony with One Another

To live in harmony with one another and to agree with one another go together which is why I have combined them here. Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another.” In the Greek, this is more literally, “be of the same mind toward one another”, with the phrase “same mind” meaning knowing and understanding one another. Knowing how one another thinks, how one another feels, and how they think can help create unity and harmony in a body of people. In the same passage, Paul mentions how we can do this more effectively. In the next breath he tells them not to think so highly of themselves and to spend time with people in lower classes than yourself (v.16b). Paul knows there cannot be harmony in a group of people if we divide ourselves by social rank and wealth.

Paul also tells the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:10 to agree with one another or be the same as in being unified so divisions will not break out more than they already had. Paul wanted them to be made complete and to be complete he meant that they have the same thoughts and judgments towards certain actions and thoughts. The immediate context suggests they were divided on who they were giving their allegiance to. Being united and agreeable with one another takes more than words, it takes action. It takes putting others’ needs and thoughts above ourselves and really getting to know people. It means realizing that just as Jesus is united with the Father, we too are to be united with one another in Christ’s love.