The Body of Christ!

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 12:12–26

¹² For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³ For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. ¹⁴ For the body is not one member, but many. ¹⁵ If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶ And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? ¹⁸ But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ¹⁹ And if they were all one member, where were the body? ²⁰ But now are they many members, yet but one body. ²¹ And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. ²² Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: ²³ And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. ²⁴ For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: ²⁵ That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. ²⁶ And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Devotion:

The apostle Paul excellently portrays the unity and disparity of Christ’s living body while talking about the Church. He underscores that we may be very different in our races, traditions, and talents, but each of us is interconnected in a way that serves to manifest God’s glory.

The body metaphor of the post also gives us an understanding on how every person has his/her own place in Church set up by God. And just like we have different parts in our physical bodies which function but are meant to sustain a life, Christ’s body too needs different members. This interconnectedness ensures we are not alone; instead we are part of a unified whole, a collaborative environment where everybody plays their role contributing towards the same goal.

This part of the bible identifies a common problem among church people who believe they are inferior or insignificant. Paul points out that no body part can be considered dishonorable or unnecessary. A foot cannot say that it is not supposed to be there because one is an arm; neither can an ear say that it is not useful since it has no eyes. It is vital for the operation of everything else, even if, at times, we think otherwise due to perception factors.

Further, he notes that the weaker or less honorable members should be given special treatment. This is a challenge to our societal sense of what is valuable and worthwhile. In God’s kingdom, there are no levels; each person has an indispensable role. We must honor one another and recognize that our value isn’t tied to how visible or essential we are but rather by being made in His image.

Lastly Paul reminds us that when one member suffers all members suffer and when one member is honored every member rejoices with it. This communal care is a testament to the continued existence of community among Christians. We should love, support and encourage one another, creating a warm and supportive environment that reflects the love of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Gracious Father, we are grateful to You for allowing us to belong to Your body (the Church). Help me appreciate my uniqueness and the uniqueness of those around me who are like-minded Christians. Please teach me to respect and encourage those who feel insignificant, left out, or unimportant. Enable me to participate fully in the oneness among believers by having mercy upon them. Equally, let us bear one another’s loads and celebrate one another’s victories (1 Corinthians 12: 26), walking in love towards each other. We ask that you provide for these things in Jesus’ name with thanksgiving. Amen.

Reflection:

Think briefly about how you fit into this body known as Christ’s Church. Who among these people has meant something to your spiritual growth through their gifts or services? Does anybody come to your mind whom you think is undervalued or taken advantage of by others? This week, consider sending them a message, speech, or encouragement. Moreso, how can you serve using the distinct talent endowed upon you by God in church ministry? What practical ways would help maintain peace amongst believers and offer a backbone for one’s fellow brothers/sisters alike, spiritually speaking?