How to Pray for One Another – Peace and Unity (3/4)

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 15:5-6

Many years ago I remember my pastor illustrating the difference between union and unity. He told the story of a man who tied two squirrels together by their tails and hung them over a washing line. They were in union, but there was certainly no unity!

The apostle Paul realized that while Christians were in union, in many ways, without peace there would be no true unity. So, he not only prayed for their union, but for genuine unity. He knew that Satan could do far more damage from within a church by causing believers to fight or squabble than he ever could be attacking them from the outside.

As Paul travelled the ancient world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ he deliberately focused on population centers. From there the good news could spread to the surrounding towns and villages. Paul had a strong desire to minister in Rome as he knew it held strategic importance.

As a major city, individuals and families routinely moved to Rome for work or to flee persecution. They brought the strength of their local fellowships to the growing churches in Rome. But no doubt they also brought differences.

Knowing the political and cultural tensions of the day, Paul prayed that the believers at Rome would be likeminded. United in peace, not just in union.

Who? The God of Peace and Consolation – Romans 15:5a

Whatever peace we enjoy comes from God through Jesus Christ. God empowers us to this end. Patience means a steadfast endurance. Consolation speaks of comfort, encouragement.

Paul is not telling people to pull themselves together. He is pointing them to the One who can provide the patience (steadfastness) and consolation (comfort) that will enable unity!

What? Likeminded – Romans 15:5b

Disagreements will always exist. He dealt extensively with how to deal with these differences in the previous chapter.

While we may not always find ourselves in 100% agreement with others, we can extend grace to those with whom we disagree on secondary issues.

Disagreement on non-essentials is not about compromise but about recognizing the realities of our dispensation.

Within a local church, there is some latitude for disagreements. If the disagreements are serious enough, it may be necessary to worship in different churches.

So, how does a local church find unity? By not aiming for unity. That may seem a contradiction. But if we make unity the goal it will never be achieved.

We should instead make the truth our goal. As we all individually rally to the truth we will meet one another there. We find ourselves in agreement with one another as grow toward and in likeness to Jesus Christ.

Why? So that we can glorify God Together – Romans 15:6

Paul often uses the phrase “with one mind”. It’s one of several methods he uses to speak of being in union and in unity.

Just do a brief survey of Acts and how it is used by Luke to describe believers in the first churches:

1:14 – united in prayer
2:46 – united in worship and life
4:24 – united in praise
5:12 – united in serving
15:25 – united in making decisions

May God help us as believers to unite around the truth of Jesus Christ and glorify God together!

Martin Wickens