Be of the Same Mind

Philippians 2:1-2

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

What does this mean? Too often, someone quotes this verse, slams her Bible and considers the case closed: We cannot be "one" if we believe differently on even one doctrinal point.

The agreement is about attitude. We are to be of one mind about affection, sympathy, selflessness, sacrificial love (like Christ). While doctrinal agreement is nice, this passage is not remotely about doctrine.

Jouette Bassler, "Notes on Philippians," New Interpreter's Study Bible:

Paul returns to the issue of unity, but now he emphasizes being of one mind (Gr. to auto phrone-te; lit., “set one’s mind on the same thing”; see Phil 2:5; 3:15, 19; 4:2), acting out of humility (Phil 2:8; 3:21; 4:12), and holding the needs and interests of others in high regard (Phil 1:23-26; 2:20, 25).

Marcus Maxwell, "Ephesians to Colossians and Philemon," Daily Bible Commentary, Hendrickson, 50:

The term Paul uses does not mean specifically intellectual agreement. He is not trying to get the Philippians to sign up to some sort of doctrinal statement of faith which will stifle thought and debate. It is rather about outlook, or mindset—a sharing of aims and goals, a common purpose.