1 Corinthians 12:25-26 in order that there may be no division in the body, but that its members have the same concern for one other. 26 If one member suffers, everyone suffers with it; if one member is honored, everyone rejoices together.
The reason God gives honor to each member is so that the church will be united. There are several outcomes of this unity. In this passage, the primary outcome is mutual concern and care for one another. No one is neglected (see Acts 6) but every who has a need is cared for. No one is treated as less important but every one has a place of service. In the bigger picture of the early church, this type of connection to one another would lead to more effectiveness in witness and mission to the world.
This unity can be evident in how the members care for one another. Just as the body response to a physical injury of one of its parts, so the church should respond by caring for those who are suffering. In our modern world, it is not always easy to know if someone in the church is suffering. Often, word does not get out about this suffering. That means that our care for one another must be intentional. The church cannot be passive and wait but asserted and look for suffering and needs.
For older posts, click here.