Song of Solomon 1-3
Galatians 2
“...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
Unity with diversity is beautiful, but how does it play out in our lives? In order for there to be unity with diversity, there are attitudes and actions that we need to have. Imagine taking an elevator, the doors open, someone is already in the elevator and we walk inside. Immediately, we give the person a once over, judging their hair, clothes and body type. Why? Because we cannot help but compare.
Paul writes, “Now if the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body” (1 Corinthians 12:15-16). When we compare, we feel envy and discontentment, which could lead to disengagement—“I don’t want to be a part of this.”
Another consequence when we compare is pride and arrogance bubbling up to the surface, and we have contempt for others. Paul continues, “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!’” (1 Corinthians 12:21). In comparison, we either push others up and pull ourselves down or we pull others down and push ourselves up, but the end result always leads to disunity and division.
Now, what should we do instead of comparing? Paul tells us, “But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). Instead of comparing, we should have care and concern for each other.
How? Firstly, we treat everyone the same, with no distinction, no favouritism and no partiality. Secondly, when someone seems to be weaker or dispensable, we still value, treasure and appreciate the person. Thirdly, on the quality of care, we treat with honour, esteem and acknowledge one another. Fourthly, we protect one another. Lastly, because we all have equal status and share equal concern, we share life together, in the ups and the downs. We are each other’s keeper.
In the body of Christ, we can achieve unity with diversity when we acknowledge that each person is redeemed by the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross to bring reconciliation for our relationship with God and with each other.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your finished work on the cross, reconciling my relationship with You and with others. Keep me from comparison and help me have genuine care and concern for others.
Galatians 2
“...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:25-26
Unity with diversity is beautiful, but how does it play out in our lives? In order for there to be unity with diversity, there are attitudes and actions that we need to have. Imagine taking an elevator, the doors open, someone is already in the elevator and we walk inside. Immediately, we give the person a once over, judging their hair, clothes and body type. Why? Because we cannot help but compare.
Paul writes, “Now if the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason stop being part of the body” (1 Corinthians 12:15-16). When we compare, we feel envy and discontentment, which could lead to disengagement—“I don’t want to be a part of this.”
Another consequence when we compare is pride and arrogance bubbling up to the surface, and we have contempt for others. Paul continues, “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!’” (1 Corinthians 12:21). In comparison, we either push others up and pull ourselves down or we pull others down and push ourselves up, but the end result always leads to disunity and division.
Now, what should we do instead of comparing? Paul tells us, “But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26). Instead of comparing, we should have care and concern for each other.
How? Firstly, we treat everyone the same, with no distinction, no favouritism and no partiality. Secondly, when someone seems to be weaker or dispensable, we still value, treasure and appreciate the person. Thirdly, on the quality of care, we treat with honour, esteem and acknowledge one another. Fourthly, we protect one another. Lastly, because we all have equal status and share equal concern, we share life together, in the ups and the downs. We are each other’s keeper.
In the body of Christ, we can achieve unity with diversity when we acknowledge that each person is redeemed by the blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross to bring reconciliation for our relationship with God and with each other.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your finished work on the cross, reconciling my relationship with You and with others. Keep me from comparison and help me have genuine care and concern for others.
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