Unity Among Believers

Unity is not one of the prominent themes in Romans, but it is present in the epistle. Paul has taught that all believers, Jews and Gentiles alike, are one in Christ. He has briefly presented his analogy of the body, showing that God has given all Christians gifts to be used for the good of other believers (chap. 12). And he has talked about maintaining unity amid disagreements over matters that are not essentials of the faith. Now, having taught the Romans about unity and called them to strive after it, he prays that God will grant it to them.

It is interesting that Paul here addresses his prayer to “the God of patience and comfort,” the same two traits that he has said come to believers through the Scriptures (v. 4). In this subtle way, he reminds the Romans that it is God working through the Scriptures who develops patience in them and comforts them. He then beseeches the Father to grant that the Romans would be “like-minded toward one another.” The apostle’s use of the term “like-minded” might lead us to believe he is speaking here of a unity of understanding, of agreement on Scriptural teachings. Actually, however, as Dr. James M. Boice points out, the context of this passage indicates Paul is speaking of another type of unity, “a family unity ‘of the Spirit’ … something that has already been given to believers and is now their duty to maintain.” He goes on to explain that “the emphasis is not on identity of doctrine but on mutuality, appreciation of one another, and thankfulness to be with one another in the body of Christ.” Indeed, inclusion in the body of Christ is the key. Paul says we are to be “like-minded … according to Christ Jesus.” He is the one who binds us together as believers. We are one with each other because we are one in Him.

Verse 6 shows us that the goal of this unity, as Boice writes, “is not so much that the church might be a pleasant place to be or that weak Christians might be encouraged and strong Christians channeled into useful work. Rather, it is that God might be glorified.” As Christians come together in mutual love and support (unity), they join their voices in praise of their great God. Both the unity and the praise communicate great truths about God to the watching world, for the one shows forth His handiwork, while the other tells of His perfections and His mighty works of redemption.