Do you sometimes feel like you are not needed? You are. Paul explains that the body of Christ includes many parts — all needed and necessary. Each Christ follower is given gifts and has a role to play in the overall health and make up of the Body. Paul declares, “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”
God has combined the members of the body and, as Paul goes on to say in verse 25, “has given 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.”
Our society values tolerance, equality, and belonging. Yet, we applaud strength, accomplishment, production, excellence, intelligence, and outstanding performance. There are many people who feel “less than,” like they don’t measure up and never will — no matter how hard they try.
God’s Kingdom is contrary. God’s call to reach the “least of these” reflects the Father’s heart. The Lord has equipped the Body — longing for unity, love, honor and respect — to reflect a beautiful picture of His heart. He calls us to reach society’s marginalized — those who may constantly feel like they are insignificant, undervalued, and have no contribution to make for the greater good.
How we treat the powerless and infirm reflects our heart. By comforting those in crisis, we learn about the depth of the love of God. Serving those who cannot repay us teaches us about humility and gentleness. Indeed, “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”
Lord, give me a heart like yours. Give me eyes and ears to see others around me as an indispensable part of your body. Help me love with humility and gentleness and treat others with dignity and respect. Help me to honor others and reflect your heart! Amen.
Go Deeper — This week, pay attention to how you interact with others — especially those who are weak or frail — those the Lord sees as indispensable. Deliberately go out of your way to show love and honour to those you may usually ignore. Pay attention to how the Lord leads you and what He shows you about others and yourself.
Further Reading — Read what Rick Warren has to say in We Serve God By Serving Others.