“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Php 2:1-2). The use of “if” here assumes the actual fact of “since”. Therefore, these statements are true. Paul uses this device to catch your attention because this unity of Christians brings him great joy because it is easily overlooked or ignored.