“For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ. For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].
For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.
Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function].” 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 AMP
REFLECTION
My appreciation for the body of Christ deepened dramatically when a crisis brought to the surface past trauma and related shame that still needed deeper healing. The surfacing came with a kind of shaking and I kept crying out to the Lord, who led me to reach out to other members of the body of Christ. And the Holy Spirit of God did wonders while I spent time with a trusted prayer minister and experienced the power of prayer and honest confession in a fresh way. Afterwards I was filled with gratitude to God and more keenly aware of how vitally important interconnectedness is in the body of Christ.
PRAYER POEM
LORD ~ however I may feel and whatever I go through, keep me close to You and those who love You, and empower us to lovingly share the gospel with those who don’t know You. For You abound in steadfast love to all who call upon You and Your living and active Word remains forever true.
