SCRIPTURE:
"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
OBSERVATION:
Paul describes the body of Christ and illustrates the importance of its parts as it relates to our physical bodies. Our human bodies were put together by God and He has done the same with the body of Christ. We must care for each other and love one another in such a manner that when one part is suffering, that we would come alongside and feel that hurt as well.
APPLICATION:
It’s amazing how our entire bodies can seem to feel the pain when one part is hurt or injured. As I began to participate in organized sports when I was growing up, from time to time I would suffer an injury. It was interesting how some of those injuries were never really isolated.
For instance, if I suffered a sprained ankle, not only would the pain be in my ankle, but I’d often find that it was in the rest of my foot as I tried to shift my weight to maintain my balance. This would sometimes affect the rest of my leg as I compensated for the injury, and at times would also make my back hurt because of the awkward walking. All the while it would affect my thinking and feelings as I would grow frustrated from being unable to do things because of the injury.
An injury to one area can often affect the rest of the body, which is what Paul is speaking of when there is hurt and pain in one part of the body of Christ. We are all one and are not alone. When one hurts, the rest should as well.
Just as the eye cannot say to the hand that it doesn’t need it (Verse 21), I cannot do the same to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Whether it’s the body of Christ, a team at work or a team on the field, when one person suffers the rest do as well.
I need to remember that in the body we are all on the same team. When one hurts, we all hurt. I must strive for unity and peace and fight against division and discord.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have forgotten that we are all on the same team. Thank You Lord for the body of Christ. May I continue to strive for unity amongst Your people, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
