Friday - The Church as Christ's Body

June 27th, 2025

I Corinthians 12:12-27 - "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 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. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."

As we conclude this week's devotional, let's consider what it means to be part of Christ's body. Paul uses the analogy of a physical body to describe how the church should function - diverse parts working together in unity. How are you functioning as part of Christ's body? Are you using your gifts to serve others and build up the church?

Consider if there are ways you've been trying to operate independently, rather than interdependently with other believers. Today, seek opportunities to connect with and support other members of Christ's body.

Remember, as you serve and love others in the church, you're serving and loving Christ Himself. Pray for a renewed appreciation of your place in the body of Christ and for the grace to fulfill your role with humility and love.