Each Individual Plays an Integral Role in the Body of Christ

      All believers in Christ are a part of a spiritual union that the Bible calls “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). We are all individual members of the body and are “whole” only as we are related properly to each other. As the body of Christ, our task is to represent Christ on earth. Collectively, we are to do what Christ would do if He were here. As we pray, learn from the Scriptures, and seek and perform His will, trusting Christ to life His life through us, we fulfill the will of God on earth in Christ’s place.

Acknowledge the worth of your brothers in Christ: “God has the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased… that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:18, 25).

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:12-13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God’s will, voice your affirmation of His Word: “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:1-2).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• More love for brothers in Christ,
• Opportunities to help the homeless,
• The needs of your close friends.

Now offer this closing prayer to the Lord: “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity” (Psalm 51:7-9).

“As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 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!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor 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 honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:20-27).