How can believers be of one mind (1 Peter 3:8)?

First, they were to be of the "same mind," or united in their purpose and motivations. Second, they were to be united in love. Paul mentions love throughout this letter (Philippians 1:9, 16; 2:1; 4:1). This has always been a primary hallmark of the Christian (John 13:34–35).

First, we are to be "harmonious," or like-minded. God means for the community of Christians to be unified around one way of thinking: the way of Jesus. Next, Christians are to be sympathetic. We should be emotionally moved by, and sincerely interested in, the feelings of other believers.

Paul urges his hearers toward an intense, intimate kind of unity: “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” The Greek text rendered “[be] of one mind” could be translated more literally as “think the same thing.” Be like-minded. Be one in spirit.

1 Peter 3:8–22 addresses all believers, commanding Christians to be unified and to refuse to seek revenge when wronged. Peter quotes from both David and Isaiah to show that God’s people have always been called to reject evil and to do good. This is true even when we are suffering. In fact, it may be God’s will for His people to suffer, in part, to demonstrate His power. Our good example can convict others into repentance. Christ, too, suffered, died, was resurrected, and ascended to power and authority in heaven.

This verse begins a new section of Peter's letter. The letter is written to Christians in general. Earlier passages focused on issues unique to various groups, such as slaves, wives, and husbands. Here, Peter writes to "all of you." Every Christian believer is called to obey these five commands as we live in relationship with each other. Each command requires a certain level of mutual submission and / or selflessness toward other Christians.

In Romans 12:16, the apostle Paul writes, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (NKJV).

The expression same mind does not mean that Christians should have identical opinions and views. Rather, it means that we should have the same mind as Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:6‭–7, ESV).‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Being “of the same mind” is the same phrase in Greek as “agree” in the Lord. The “same mind” Paul was after in this text is a mind of humility as demonstrated in Christ becoming a human being and dying on a cross.

‬ The Greek word for “emptied” in Philippians 2:7 is a form of keno, from which we get the word kenosis. Christ did not empty Himself of divinity ( John 1:14 and Colossians 2:9). Instead, He laid aside the privileges and glory that were His in heaven and “made himself nothing” (Philippians 2:7) by occupying the position of a slave. Hence, the voluntary condescension of Christ was a self-renunciation rather than a divestment of divinity.

The humiliation of Christ is evident throughout the New Testament:

• Incarnation: The very act of Jesus assuming human flesh and dwelling among us showcases His humility. Who would willingly leave the glory of heaven to enter a world marred by sin, pain, and suffering? He did not do it for Himself. No, He did it to “give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28, ESV).

• Servant Leadership: Jesus consistently prioritized the needs of others above His own. For instance, He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17), an act that signifies our participation in His mission of sacrificial love and service to one another.

• Teaching on Humility: Jesus taught His followers about the importance of humility. For example, in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus declared that the tax collector’s humble prayer was more effective than the self-righteous prayer of the Pharisee (Luke 18:9–14).

Christ demonstrated that true greatness is found in humility, selflessness, and sacrificial love. As Christians, we are called to imitate His humility, counting others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3, ESV). This is what it means to be of the same mind.

Romans 12:9–21 offers additional insight into what it means to have same mind:

• Believers should have genuine love for one another. We should also despise what is evil and cling to what is good (verse 9).

• Believers should love one another like a family, exhibiting brotherly and sisterly affection. We should also try to outdo one another in showing honor (verse 10).

• Believers should be enthusiastic about serving the Lord (verse 11).

• Believers should be joyful, hopeful, patient, and prayerful (verse 12).

• Believers should be generous and hospitable toward one another (verse 13).

• Believers should bless those who persecute them (verse 14).

• Believers should participate in the joys and sorrows of others (verse 15).

• Believers should live in harmony with one another and avoid being proud or haughty (verse 16).

• Believers should not return evil for evil. Instead, we should return evil for good (verse 17).

• Believers should strive for peace with everyone, if possible (verse 18).

• Believers should not take matters of vengeance into their own hands. Instead, we should trust that the Lord will deal with our enemies appropriately (verse 19).

• Believers should respond to enemies with acts of kindness, allowing God to use our generous deeds to bring conviction to our enemies (verse 20).

• Finally, believers should not “be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (verse 21).

To be of the same mind is to have a spirit of unity, peace, and harmony among believers. We should remember that, if Christ laid down His life for us, then we should do the same for one another (John 15:13).

To be of one mind is the calling that the church is given by Paul. He urges us to be united so that we can bring glory to God. Unity is such an important aspect that the church needs so that the church is able to fulfill what God has called them to do and to bring glory to God.