Deeper Reflection
Our genuine love towards other Christians is manifested in several other ways. Joy and sorrow often arise from personal gain and loss. Paul teaches that “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Cor 12:26). Identifying so deeply with fellow Christians that we rejoice with them even when we do not enjoy their gain, and weep with them even when we have not suffered their loss (v.15) – this is empathy that only genuine love can bestow.¹⁵In verse 16a, the Greek word for “to think” (phroneo) appears twice. The verse can be rendered: “Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind,…” (NASB) Thus, Paul exhorts harmony that results from being like-minded (v.16a; cf. Phil 2:2-4). This does not mean that we must all think in the same way about every issue. Rather, our attitude toward everything that touches our lives ought to spring from the same Christ-renewed mind we have (cf. Rom 12:2).¹⁶Finally, Paul warns against overrating ourselves: “…but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” (v.16b NASB) Pride makes us believe that we are better than others and that we are always right. This precludes the church from the harmony to which God has called her. The antithesis of pride is humility, one practical outworking of which is to fellowship with the lowly among us.¹⁷ Jesus Himself taught and exemplified humble service to the lowly and ostracised. ¹⁸ So must we, His church.When the church practises empathy, harmony and humility, we are acting together in love towards one another.

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¹⁵ James R. Edwards, Romans, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2011), 297. ¹⁶ Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 782. ¹⁷ Douglas J. Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI:Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 783. ¹⁸ For example, Matthew 25:40; Luke 5:12-14.