We Need Each Other

“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. For the body is not one member, but many. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” I Corinthians 12:13-14, 18

In this passage of Scripture Paul is comparing the body of Christ to our natural bodies. It is amazing the way God created our bodies, so many different parts and each one fulfilling a special purpose but working together with all the other parts to make us a whole person.

When one part of our body hurts, the whole body is affected. If you have ever had a broken bone or even just stubbed your big toe, you know how it makes you feel miserable all over. When an accident or sickness causes someone to lose a part of their body, the rest of the body works extra hard to make up for this lack. People have learned to live without an arm or leg, but life becomes much more complicated.

As the body of Christ, we need each other. None of us can make it on our own. We rely on others in our local church for so many things. We all need friends and what better friends do we have than those who share the same faith and beliefs. When we face sickness, trials, or adversity, we rely on our church family for prayer. When we do not feel like praying ourselves, we can have confidence that they are lifting us up in prayer. We receive strength and encouragement from each other as we gather together to worship the Lord.

Each one of us has our part to fill in the body, and this Scripture tells us that God has placed us in the position that pleases Him. By each one of us doing our part, the church grows and is strengthened. We all have our gifts, talents and abilities and as we find our purpose and place, the body functions as God desires.

Prayer: Jesus we thank you for your love for your church, and that you have a place for each one of us to fill. We need each other. Help us to faithful to the purpose you have for each of us.

Devotion by Anne Johnston