Phil 4: 1-9
Paul Urges two church leaders to be of the same mind. What our English bibles translate as “be of the same mind” is actually a verb in the original Greek, it is the verb “phroneó.”

Elsewhere where Paul talks about the mind as a tool for reasoning, he uses the Greek noun: “Nous” which indicates the mental capacity. But this verb “phroneo” relates to deep inward feelings in addition to the intellect. It’s a term that is difficult to translate into English because it combines the visceral and the cognitive aspects of thinking. So Paul is saying here, be of the same mind but also of the same heart -in the Lord.

I just find that concept fascinating, to think with your feelings involved! With such a definition, what does it take to be of the same mind when you don’t really agree with someone on something? How would the world be different if Paul’s words were to inform our disagreements?

Being of the same opinion is humanly impossible and unhealthy. But differing views do not have to be mutually invalidating. So when we can’t be of the same opinion let us be be of the same mind “phroneo,” guided by compassion and grace towards each other.