In eodem sensu | United

"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." - 1 Corinthians 1:10 

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In this verse, Paul makes a plea to the believers in Corinth to pursue unity. He appeals not in his own authority, but “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". As next verses explain, the church in Corinth was deeply fractured by quarrels and statements on following different leaders. Paul, asking rhetorically "Is Christ divided?", recognized that these divisions undermine the very message of the Gospel.

Unity does not mean uniformity in every opinion or preference. Rather, Paul calls for a shared commitment to the core truth of the faith - the Cross of Christ and a Christ-centered perspective. He urges the believers to be "united in the same mind and the same judgment,” pointing toward a posture of humility and mutual love.

This message is just as relevant today as it was then. We live in the world full of divisions - both within and outside the Church. We easily become divided by politics, preferences, or personalities. Paul's words invite us to reflect on our own role in building or breaking unity. Do we prioritize love and understanding over being right or being heard? Do we seek reconciliation when conflict arises, or do we let it deepen, or even fuel it with our words and actions? Are we contributing to unity in our churches, workplaces or families—or are we adding to division through pride, gossip or unforgiveness? Unity begins in small choices: choosing to listen with empathy, resisting the urge to speak harshly, and placing Christ above personal agendas. 

Each of us can play a role in building unity and peace in our environments. After all, we all belong to the One and the same Christ. And by being the advocates of unity and peace we can also become more truly Gospel witnesses.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 by Agata Wierzbowska

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