| “That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.” – 1 Corinthians 12:25 |
|---|
| Take care to CARE for one another. 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 others 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! To care for another may call for the sharing of ADVICE. Just a reminder here. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Speak truth with LOVE. As stated we can easily have a sermon series on how to care for one another. 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. Our verse to DATE the Word on December 25 (12/25) is 1 Corinthians 12:25. It says, “That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.” Continue Strong and Merry Christmas!!!!!!! And remember to DATE THE WORD |