An Attitude of Mind like Christ: Romans 15:5-7

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement
give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,
in order to bring praise to God [Romans 15:5-7].

 The verses above set a humble tone for the season of Advent. The apostle Paul spoke about an "attitude of mind" towards each other. It's the same attitude Christ had. Historically, there were 400 years of silence of an Intertestamental period when God did not speak to the prophets. Yet during these years, God's people waited patiently for what (and who) is to come: Jesus Christ who would bring joy and peace to humankind.

 Today, we can all identify periods of silence from the Lord. They may be silences about a long awaited healing, or deliverance of a loved one from addiction; silence regarding the restoration of a relationship, unemployment, or other financial struggles. People who are not undergoing these trials may find it easy to judge those who are. The Lord said he will never leave us or forsake us, yet we all know that sometimes even a word of encouragement does not make things any better.

 Paul prays that the Lord would give us the same attitude of mind towards each other that Christ Jesus had. We need to continue to pray for this attitude of mind of Christ. With such an attitude of mind (e.g. a “thought-process”), we will not merely encourage someone to trust God but we will meet that person's need if we are in the position to do so. Sometimes we are the answer to their prayers. Telling someone: "it will get better" when we have the resources to make things better but refuse to do so, does not reflect the attitude of Christ. He saw the five thousand hungry people and his heart was moved to feed them. A woman was accused of adultery and the crowd wanted judgment to be pronounced, but Jesus showed her mercy and compassion instead.

 


Let's pray for the attitude of mind of Christ. And as we wait upon the Lord to respond to our circumstances, let us practice "patience-trust." This is the unwavering trust in the Lord's lovingkindness, grace and compassion. It does not require full understanding of what God will do and how He will do it on our behalf. It is the kind of trust that sees God, not the circumstances, and believe He is able and will act on our behalf.

 The attitude that Christ displayed can help us to become good stewards of Christ towards each other, but also it can help us to wait on the Lord. In this season of Advent, let's express such attitudes. Who knows what change it can produce in the life of another person who is watching us.

 

R.G.  08/12/25

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