We are the body of Christ. We are called to have faith in others in
the body even when their ideas are not exactly our own. We need to recognize
them for the individuality they bring to the whole church family. The Apostle
Paul mentions the importance that each part brings to the body. There is no
least or great. When each part is not functioning to its capacity the whole body
suffers.
Trust holds the body together. Trust does not mean we
all agree, but it does mean that we have an obligation to hear another person's
point of view with respect. It means that we recognize the importance of each
individual, and believe they have something valuable to offer. It means that we
state concerns with love. It means that what we bring to the table is spoken
with regard to each one present. It means that we consider the one next to us or
across the table more important than ourselves. It means that we recognize that
we are human and fallible, and we do not have to make our point known at the
cost of another one's pain.
What we are called to be is the body of Christ. That
body suffered for us. That body took the nails for us. That body took within
Himself all the sin and pain of the world. That body became less so we might
know the joy of freedom from suffering and harsh attitudes. What does our body
do for Him? Do our actions as individuals bring pain to the body of Christ? What
do we give back for all He has given us? Is our individual need so great that we
would wound each other? Or do we see the whole body as a place we can lay my
life down for others? There
is freedom in not needing to have the last word. There is freedom in laying down
our lives for each other. There is freedom in the body when we remain on our
knees, and lay our hearts on His
altar.
We have a special church body that strives to live His
love. Our church family does have a special bond. However, there's a danger in
believing we will always be a church filled with love for each other. Love takes
work, and we must work at it. Let's never become complacent and give the enemy a
foothold. Let's always see potential in each other, and listen to the concerns
of each other with respect and love. Let’s always live His love, and continue to
make our body into the whole He desires.
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