One Body

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

So God has put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important. This makes for happiness among the parts, so that the parts have the same care for each other that they do for themselves. If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (TLB)

Beth Bronson Troop lives in Pennsylvania. Several years ago Beth traveled to Mozambique for a gathering of United Methodist Women. Part of their time was spent with members of the Mozambique Women's Society in the Capital city of Maputo where they studied 1 Corinthians 12. Their Cultural backgrounds were very different, and they had a lot to learn from one another. On the third day they studied a variety of prayer practices.

At the end of the session, they had opportunities to express prayer concerns before their corporate prayer, and that is when God revealed the common ground on which they stood. Americans and Mozambicans alike raised concerns about broken families, drug addiction, family and friends affected by HIV and AIDS, domestic abuse, and issues of inequality. As they prayed, they were united with one another and with the Lord.

First Corinthians 12 serves as a reminder that despite different background and experiences, they are all members of the one body of Christ. Their shared needs and dependence on God were revealed when they serve side-by-side in Christ's name.

Prayer: Dear God, unite us, your children, as one body in Christ so that we may confidently and humbly share the love of Jesus Christ with the world. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.