READ: 1 Corinthians 12 (Focus vs. 21-26)
MEMORY VERSE
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
BACKGROUND
When I injured my ring finger, I expected months of pain before regaining its full function. As I practiced the prescribed exercises, the finger next to it began to throb, so I consulted my doctor. “Sympathy pain,” he said.
A branching between the nerves of the ring and pinky fingers causes dependence on one another. If one finger hurts, the other aches in sympathy.
The apostle Paul uses the human body to illustrate the uniqueness and unity of God’s people. In 1 Corinthians 12:21-26, he reinforces how valuable each individual member is to the healthy functioning of the whole.
Then he turns his attention to the unity achieved when we connect with each other: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (v. 26).
His description of the church’s interconnectedness is echoed in these verses, as we ought to “mourn with those who mourn,” and “carry each other’s burdens” (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2).
Today, as I extend my hand to greet someone or grab a spoon to prepare a meal for guests, I notice the strain in both my ring finger and my pinky. The various parts of our physical bodies work together to express pain and to strengthen each other toward health.
I thank God that He reveals our need for connection to each other in His spiritual body, the church, through sympathy pain.
Elisa Morgan
INSIGHT
Of the many metaphors Paul uses to describe the church’s identity and mission (for example, temple, fellow citizens, God’s family), “the body” is probably his favorite, using it often to promote the oneness, unity, and solidarity of all believers in Jesus under the headship of Christ (see Ephesians 5:23).
He uses the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12:12: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
He highlights the church’s unity in diversity and instructs believers to prioritize their mutual concern for each other’s well-being, saying that everyone “should have equal concern for each other” (v. 25).
Elsewhere, he instructs believers to “be devoted to one another in love” (Romans 12:10) and to step up to serve each other in practical ways (vv. 3-13). Particularly, he tells believers to “be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep” (v. 15 nlt).
K.T. Sim
APPLICATION
How is God inviting you to suffer with another in order to strengthen you both? How have others suffered with you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Of the many metaphors Paul uses to describe the church’s identity and mission (for example, temple, fellow citizens, God’s family), “the body” is probably his favorite, using it often to promote the oneness, unity, and solidarity of all believers in Jesus under the headship of Christ.” Today’s Insight
PR’s TAKE
“I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” Romans 1:11-12
PRAYER
“Dear God, please help me be open to Your invitation to suffer with my brothers and sisters that we might all be strengthened.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“WE NEED EACH OTHER BRETHREN”
In a world filled with vi’lence and hatred,
Everywhere wars and turmoil we see;
God’s people face daily this struggle;
Only love will keep us free.
We need each other, brethren!
For only love will carry us through;
Let us stand by each other, brethren;
Take courage, be faithful and true.
Oh, how sad to see some of our brethren,
As they strive for earth’s pleasure and gold,
Become selfish and strive with each other;
Love and kindness has quickly grown cold.
Lord, give us true warmth and affection;
When one fails, help us rescue his soul;
“He’s not heavy, for he is my brother,”
Let us cry as we carry his load.
Dear saints, let us vow to each other,
“I will help, I will comfort and pray;
I will stand by your side and defend you
In this battle you’re facing today.”
We need each other, brethren!
For only love will carry us through;
Let us stand by each other, brethren;
Take courage, be faithful and true.
