In One Body

We Have Many Members

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophesy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the LORD. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Romans 12:3-13

We all have a stake in the lives of others because of our actions, good and bad. That means what we do or do not do affects other Christians. Because of that we are urged to exercise our spiritual gifts, and to be loving, faithful in prayer, and generous.

Our obedience to the LORD may seem insignificant in the big picture, but it breathes freshness and life into the spiritual atmosphere of every believer.

When believers influence each other for good,

the body of Christ remains healthy.

Our Daily Bread – July 21, 2008