Paul goes into great detail regarding the similarities between the human body and the church as a body, or the Body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12, he gives us an anatomy lesson regarding the interaction of our various body parts. God designed fearfully and wonderfully. The human body is not a random thing. It is put together to do exactly what it’s designed to do. An eye can’t say to an ear, “I don’t need you.” What body part would you choose to give up, if you had to. There’s no body part that we would willingly want to lose. Each part has a function and without even a little toe, the body’s ability to balance is impaired. In the same way the church is made up of people who function in varying roles. Some are pastors, some are teachers, some have the gift of hospitality, while others are encouragers, and some serve. No matter the part that a member fulfills in the body, it is important and vital to the well-being of the whole. If one part of our physical body is injured, the rest of the body assists it. If I break my arm, my other arm helps support the broken part…my feet move slowly to keep from causing pain, my head governs my careful movements and actions. In the Body of Christ, when a member is hurt and needs help, it is the responsibility of the other members to lend aid and support to the one who needs care. In this way we help to fulfil the code that the church has been given to bear one another’s burdens.

Scriptures – Matthew 16:18-19; Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; John 13:35

Verses – Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Ga 6:2) Our bodies have many parts, but the many parts make up only one body when they are all put together. So it is with the “body” of Christ. (1 Co 12:12) “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (Jn 13:35)

Thought – Those of you who are inclined to be caregivers need to remember that you can’t take on the weight of the world alone. If you do, you will burn out and get to the point where you don’t want to hear another person’s needs, don’t want to answer the phone or go to church for fear someone will need you. That’s not God’s plan. You have a gift, but remember you can’t do it all. And for those of you who find it hard to ask for help and allow another person to extend care to you, remember that you are not only hurting yourself, you are hurting the church. You’re a part of the body, and we all must think like a body! In so doing, the world will see that we are truly Jesus’ disciples.

Questions – Do you feel compelled to bear the burdens of others when they need care? If so, in what ways do you extend care? Have you ever felt burned out from the burdens you are bearing for others? If so, explain. What do you do to give yourself a break and recover. When you have a burden, do you share and allow others to care for you? Why or why not? Is it easier for you to extend care or receive care? How do you move yourself into a mode to care for someone when you are not really feeling it but know you should?

Response – Are you helping to care for the Body of Christ by serving, caring and bearing the burdens of your brothers and sisters in Christ? If you are lacking in your participation in the body, find out what you can do to start functioning as God designed. The church, the Body of Christ, needs all of its parts working to serve God and reach the lost.

Prayer – Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for allowing me to be part of your church, the Body of Christ. Make me sensitive to the needs of others. Help me to extend care when it’s needed in the unique ways that you have gifted me. May I be willing to allow the other members of the body to care for me, as well. In Jesus Name, amen.