One in Christ

Over the last few days, we’ve seen how our identity is found in being people made in God’s image, as God’s children, as saved sinners, as belonging to heaven, and as followers of Jesus. All of these things draw us together in powerful unity because as well as shaping our individual identities, they also give us a shared identity and purpose.

In today’s passage, followers of Jesus are together described as being his body. What makes a body special? A body is made up of so many different parts and functions, but together they are unified. One part of the body doesn’t reject another, but they look after one another so the whole body can work as it should.

This is the same for us. Each one of us is different and has a unique personality and skills. Yet together, we should be unified under the headship of Jesus. As parts of a body, we must show love and concern for one another, because each of us has a special and important role to play. As followers of Jesus, we are all different, but equal, before him.

Questions:

1. If followers of Jesus should be united like the parts of a body, how should we treat one another?
2. A body has a head, and our head is Jesus. What do you think that means for how we should live?
3. How could you show this unity to others? Is there someone you could encourage to use their talents to serve the body of Christ?

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the unity you have given us in Jesus. Thank you that we can call each other Christian brothers and sisters because we are part of your family. Please help me to show love and to keep unity with those who are your children. Amen.