Pain in the Pinky
I Corinthians 12:25–31
“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 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. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”
God arranged the body is a special and specific way the differences in members should not lead to division, one suffers all suffers (vv. 24-26). There is a Filipino proverb that says the entire body feels the pain of the little finger. Bible commentator, RB Hays, notes that the Apostle Paul relates the body back to the dominating theme of the first part of the letter, the appeal for unity. St. Paul’s concern is to show that everyone has different gifts given to different members for the community as a whole, and this provided distinctions between members. Elsewhere, St. Paul encourages the Galatian church, to “carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2).” And the Apostle Peter also encourages the Church that all of us should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude (I Pet 3:8). Unity is demonstrated in service to each other, delighting in helping one another, that I think is the essence of the church as the single body of Christ, feet, hands, minds, and hearts to an aching, drowning, fallen world. And with unity under Christ alone, we are able to stand and resist being under this broken earth’s curse. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken says The Preacher (Ecc 4:12). Today, may we echo the Living Life prayer: “Father, thank You for blessing the members of Your church with different spiritual gifts. Help me to use the gifts You have given me to faithfully serve others. Give me eyes to see those who need my encouragement and help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 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. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.”
God arranged the body is a special and specific way the differences in members should not lead to division, one suffers all suffers (vv. 24-26). There is a Filipino proverb that says the entire body feels the pain of the little finger. Bible commentator, RB Hays, notes that the Apostle Paul relates the body back to the dominating theme of the first part of the letter, the appeal for unity. St. Paul’s concern is to show that everyone has different gifts given to different members for the community as a whole, and this provided distinctions between members. Elsewhere, St. Paul encourages the Galatian church, to “carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2).” And the Apostle Peter also encourages the Church that all of us should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude (I Pet 3:8). Unity is demonstrated in service to each other, delighting in helping one another, that I think is the essence of the church as the single body of Christ, feet, hands, minds, and hearts to an aching, drowning, fallen world. And with unity under Christ alone, we are able to stand and resist being under this broken earth’s curse. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken says The Preacher (Ecc 4:12). Today, may we echo the Living Life prayer: “Father, thank You for blessing the members of Your church with different spiritual gifts. Help me to use the gifts You have given me to faithfully serve others. Give me eyes to see those who need my encouragement and help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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