Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 12:24-27.
But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
Paul writes about our spiritual gifts, that we are each given skills necessary to do the kingdom work. We are most fulfilled when we are employed in His service, using these skills for the benefit of His children. Each of us have a contribution to make.
He teaches in this passage that as the church we are “Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” Our fellowship allows us to share our separate gifts with the world out of mutual concern for the well being of others. This is how we obey what Jesus said is the greatest commandment: to love God and one another (Matthew 22:37-39).
All gifts are needed and we must depend on each other to accomplish the mission of the church. We must remember that love is the fuel that drives every gift, without love our gifts are useless. God has a plan for each of us and role for us to play in bringing the world together.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the blessing of spiritual gifts to use for the good of all creation. Strengthen us in faith and send us to use our talents wisely. In Your name we pray, Amen.
