Synonymous Message of Jesus (Humility)

 Here's some biblical synonyms for you.  They are taken from Philippians 2:2, 3 and 5 from both the ESV and NIV.  We find 'one mind,' 'same mind,' ('same love'), 'one accord' and being 'like minded'.   These 'one' and 'same' phrases extend from expressions of humility.  They are also what the Lord requires (see Micah 6:8 NKJV).

At church we rub shoulders with many people of different personalities.  They each have their own thoughts, ideas, and opinions.  If they put themselves first and insist on their way, there will be lots of unpleasant arguments and bad feelings that could fester for decades to come.

BUT, if they have 'one mind' to put Jesus first and honor Him, to nurture and encourage everyone to grow in their spiritual life, building and building up God's kingdom together, then they will be like minded.  If they have the 'same love,' they love God and love their neighbor with the love we find described in 1 Corinthians 13 (vs 4-7) about God's kind of love.  Then there will be believers together, in 'one accord.'  They have the same purpose and all aim for that one goal.

That sounds like a mouthful but here's a brief illustration that might help.  A particular church may plan a picnic outing on a holiday weekend.  They invite friends, family and neighbors.  They want to share food and fun abut also the love of Jesus.

The one goal is to share Jesus.  The one and the same mind is to do so with the picnic.  The same love is the love of Jesus in our hearts.

It can operate something as follows.  Some church members prepare food, others the fun and games, and still someone else a short message.  The youth group may provide the music and songs.  Someone scouts out a good picnic venue and so on.

In this way they each use their gifts while imitating Christ's humility in the fear of the Lord.  This is the 'one accord' and the showing of 'one love' among the saints, radiating out towards the friends, family and neighbors, drawing them to Christ.  As they observe this, it could become the loudest message of Jesus our guests ever recieve.

                                                    ~  ERC  January 2026  ~

Based on Philippians 2:2, 3 and 5 ESV/NIV.

Sing, The Love of God is Greater Far, along with Guy Penrod, Joy Gardner, and David Phelps.