The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!”—1 Cor. 12:21a

Click Here to Read Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12

It was another great game, but my football team was down by several points. I was desperate to reduce our deficit.  I made a run from defense, maneuvering away from an onrushing opponent, and quickly passed the ball. Unfortunately, my big right toe struck the ground very hard, dislodging my toenail. I felt a sharp pain, but I thought to myself, It will be alright in no time. After the game, I made my way home, walking gingerly.

As the days and then weeks passed, the sharp, searing pain didn’t just stay in my toe; it traveled up my foot and throbbed through my ankle and calf. The excruciating chain of hurt then spread to my knee and then to my hip. My left leg now had to bear more weight than usual, and a dull pain pulsed through my knee and lower back. My entire body shivered uncontrollably, and my head ached intensely. My big right toe had taken the hit, but my whole body was caught in the aftermath.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to illustrate the value of each member within the Christian community. He explains, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” (v 21). This means that every member of the church, irrespective of status, tribe, color, and cultural background, is equally important. Paul adds that even parts or roles that seem less honorable are indispensable to the body of Christ in the eyes of God (v 23).

Each November here at our local church, LifeNet, we celebrate our unique origins and cultures in a special “Community of Cultures” Sunday service. Like Paul’s letter, the celebration helps us remember that though we are diverse, we are all one body of Christ, and we all need each other. Just as my whole body shared in the pain borne by my big right toe, so we, the body of Christ, should bear each other’s burdens.

Reflect: What does it mean for you to seek unity with other believers? How can you bridge your differences with others to truly live as one body in Christ?

Prayer Starter:

Lord, draw me closer to others in your Body and to You, uniting my heart in love and purpose with those around me, in my local congregation, as well as those around the world. Help me to live in harmony, reflecting Your peace and grace in all I do. 

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