1 Corinthians 12:25 “That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
As believers, we are members of the church, which can be described as a building, a bride, and/or a body. The Apostle Paul will use all three images. Here in 1 Corinthians, he focuses on the church being like a BODY. A body has many parts, and while some are more seen than others, we are reminded that those not seen are incredibly valuable. As a person takes care of all the parts of their body, so is the body of Christ, the church, to take care of each other. We are to CARE for one another.
What does CARING for one another look like? While a full sermon, even a series of sermons, may not sufficiently answer the question, please consider just a couple of thoughts.
To care for another calls for SEEING their needs. James 1:27 says, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress… ” The Greek word that is translated as ‘caring’ includes the word SKOPOS, which we translate to English as SCOPE. A scope helps you to see things better, to bring it up closer. A microscope brings what is invisible into view. A telescope brings something a long way off closer for better examination. One uses to scope on a gun to bring the target into better view. Thus, to care for a person is to SEE UP CLOSE. It is to look intently for things that may be missing with the intent of then providing for what is missing.
To care for another is to take appropriate ACTIONS. It may be a word of encouragement. Another verse for 12/25 is Proverbs 12:25. It says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Worry weighs a heart down, but a GOOD WORD – a word of encouragement refreshes and restores one to keep running the race of life!
My prayer is that you will consider the call to care for one another and be your brother and sister’s helper! LOOK and SEE beyond the surface for the real needs of others. Be proactive in taking appropriate actions, especially in speaking words of encouragement to others.
Speaking of a good word: Luke 2:10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Continue Strong, caring for others, and Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
And remember to DATE THE WORD