1 Corinthians 12:21-26
If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. – 1 Corinthians 12:26
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We Need One Another to Build the Body of Christ
The Scripture passage sits within the broader context of how spiritual gifts are to be exercised (1 Corinthians 12–14). At the beginning of his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul expressed deep concern about divisions and factions within the church. Later, when addressing questions about spiritual gifts, Paul devoted three chapters (12–14) to teaching how these gifts should be used properly. He reminded the Corinthians that it is the Holy Spirit who decides how to distribute the gifts of God, and that every gift is ultimately meant for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Paul skilfully used the analogy of the human body with its many different parts to illustrate his point: believers need one another, regardless of their backgrounds or spiritual giftings. Unity in diversity is not just a good Christian idea — it is God’s divine design for the growth and maturity of His Church.
In 1 Corinthians 12:15–16, Paul gave voice to the foot and the ear, saying, “Because I am not a hand (or an eye), I do not belong to the body.” This reflects an attitude of inferiority. A believer may think of himself or herself as less valuable than others who appear to possess greater or more visible spiritual gifts, leading to withdrawal or disengagement from the body (of Christ).
In contrast, 1 Corinthians 12:21 captures the opposite problem: “The eye cannot say to the hand, I don’t need you.” This reveals the ego of those who regard their gifts as superior or more important than others. To correct both extremes, Paul emphasized that the most excellent way to use spiritual gifts is through love. Chapter 13 gives us the guiding principle: every spiritual gift must be exercised in love for the edification of the Church.
God does not desire His Church to be divided through the misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:25). Instead, He desires that each member of the Body of Christ be cared for, valued, and honoured. When one part suffers, the whole body feels the pain; when one part is weak, the whole body is affected.
Strong Christian, remember that you have the responsibility to use your spiritual gifts in love — to strengthen and build up those who are weaker in faith.
Weaker Christian, know that you are indispensable to the Church. The body of Christ cannot mature without you.
Let us embrace the diversity of our gifts and remember that we need one another for the Body of Christ to grow in unity and love.
Reflection:
Who are the members in your church that you can appreciate today—those who serve faithfully and humbly behind the scenes? As a member of the church, how can I encourage my brothers and sisters to be united and work together to build the house of God?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see and appreciate my brothers and sisters who serve You quietly and faithfully. Teach me to use my spiritual gifts in love, to edify Your Church and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Click to read
We Need One Another to Build the Body of Christ
The Scripture passage sits within the broader context of how spiritual gifts are to be exercised (1 Corinthians 12–14). At the beginning of his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul expressed deep concern about divisions and factions within the church. Later, when addressing questions about spiritual gifts, Paul devoted three chapters (12–14) to teaching how these gifts should be used properly. He reminded the Corinthians that it is the Holy Spirit who decides how to distribute the gifts of God, and that every gift is ultimately meant for the building up of the Body of Christ.
Paul skilfully used the analogy of the human body with its many different parts to illustrate his point: believers need one another, regardless of their backgrounds or spiritual giftings. Unity in diversity is not just a good Christian idea — it is God’s divine design for the growth and maturity of His Church.
In 1 Corinthians 12:15–16, Paul gave voice to the foot and the ear, saying, “Because I am not a hand (or an eye), I do not belong to the body.” This reflects an attitude of inferiority. A believer may think of himself or herself as less valuable than others who appear to possess greater or more visible spiritual gifts, leading to withdrawal or disengagement from the body (of Christ).
In contrast, 1 Corinthians 12:21 captures the opposite problem: “The eye cannot say to the hand, I don’t need you.” This reveals the ego of those who regard their gifts as superior or more important than others. To correct both extremes, Paul emphasized that the most excellent way to use spiritual gifts is through love. Chapter 13 gives us the guiding principle: every spiritual gift must be exercised in love for the edification of the Church.
God does not desire His Church to be divided through the misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:25). Instead, He desires that each member of the Body of Christ be cared for, valued, and honoured. When one part suffers, the whole body feels the pain; when one part is weak, the whole body is affected.
Strong Christian, remember that you have the responsibility to use your spiritual gifts in love — to strengthen and build up those who are weaker in faith.
Weaker Christian, know that you are indispensable to the Church. The body of Christ cannot mature without you.
Let us embrace the diversity of our gifts and remember that we need one another for the Body of Christ to grow in unity and love.
Reflection:
Who are the members in your church that you can appreciate today—those who serve faithfully and humbly behind the scenes? As a member of the church, how can I encourage my brothers and sisters to be united and work together to build the house of God?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to see and appreciate my brothers and sisters who serve You quietly and faithfully. Teach me to use my spiritual gifts in love, to edify Your Church and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.