WE ARE THE BODY

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.