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Broken for Others

We don’t like broken things. We like things that are whole.

On the night that he was betrayed, Jesus said that the bread which he broke for his disciples represented his body, which was broken for them. It was broken in love, so that they might receive life.

Later, the apostle Paul tells us that Christ’s body is the church: 

“the church, which is his body” (Ephesians 1:22–23).

Just as Jesus’ body was broken, so too the church must be broken for others. What does this mean?

Being broken also means that the church exists through poverty and suffering, as well as through victory and glory. It thrives through persecution. Being broken means that the church suffers in compassion for others. It exists to feed the world through Christ, the bread of life. Unless bread is broken, it cannot be shared. Being broken also means that the church doesn’t exist all in one place; instead it is like salt that is to be found everywhere to season the world with the love of Christ.

When you see such a church that is broken for others, do not despise it. To be broken for others is the most precious and beautiful thing in the world, for it is to be like Jesus.

Think of someone who you know was broken for others, because they gave their money or health or strength for the sake of someone else. What would the church look like if it was truly like that? Would you want to be part of such a church?

By Dr. Eliezer Gonzalez