For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
— ROMANS 12:4-5 —
Filiberto Angeles Dorantes: Word of Grace Biblical Seminary | Mexico
With this illustration, Paul underscores the concept of unity, which in the human body has many parts. The phrase, “many members,” shows that this variety of parts comprises a very significant amount in quantity. In other words, there is a great diversity of members with distinct functions. Nevertheless, even though all those parts are different and have distinct roles, they make up a unity. As members of Christ’s body, we should keep in mind the right perspective regarding our individual function. We need one another and we function best only when the various parts are complementing the whole. As a human body has many members, each with a different role, so each of us in Christ’s body has a specific function. Paul notes how the human body is made up of many members; all are different! However, when Paul says that we “are one body in Christ,” he highlights the organic unity of the church. Each member of a church remains in a relationship to the whole that is vital for its existence. Our need for one another calls us to treat others with love and humility. We should thank God for the display of His grace in others. Do you praise Him for the gifts He’s given to others? Do you encourage others toward more fruitfulness according to the way God has designed them? And do you use your gifts for their edification? We need one another and we function best only when the various parts are complementing the whole. This is what is intended for the body of Christ!
