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Prepare: Is there anyone I find it difficult to get on with? Can I do anything to change things?
Hard work
‘I love mankind’, runs an old slogan, ‘It’s people I can’t stand!’
However much we may think harmony is good it will not come unless we acknowledge that it is hard work – we have to make an effort both to achieve it and to keep it (vs 2,3). Christian fellowship may be wonderful when all is going well, but it is always frustrating to work with people who don’t see things as we do!
Working together
In fact, as Paul points out, difference should not only be expected, it is healthy. There is unity of belief (vs 4–6), but diversity of gifting. Each of us are given gifts of grace (v 7). If everyone were the same, many jobs would not get done! We need each other, and the very things that we find frustrating in others may be the reasons why they are so good at the tasks we hate!
In the same way each one of us must recognise that God’s calling is not to be like those we admire but to be the person he wants us to be, playing our part in the life of the church (v 16).
Only when we accept this unity in diversity, Paul tells us, do we really grow up as a church (v 15). By working together we can be fruitful for God, letting each person play their unique part.
Respond: Are you playing your part in the body of Christ?
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-03-12
Hard work
‘I love mankind’, runs an old slogan, ‘It’s people I can’t stand!’
However much we may think harmony is good it will not come unless we acknowledge that it is hard work – we have to make an effort both to achieve it and to keep it (vs 2,3). Christian fellowship may be wonderful when all is going well, but it is always frustrating to work with people who don’t see things as we do!
Working together
In fact, as Paul points out, difference should not only be expected, it is healthy. There is unity of belief (vs 4–6), but diversity of gifting. Each of us are given gifts of grace (v 7). If everyone were the same, many jobs would not get done! We need each other, and the very things that we find frustrating in others may be the reasons why they are so good at the tasks we hate!
In the same way each one of us must recognise that God’s calling is not to be like those we admire but to be the person he wants us to be, playing our part in the life of the church (v 16).
Only when we accept this unity in diversity, Paul tells us, do we really grow up as a church (v 15). By working together we can be fruitful for God, letting each person play their unique part.
Respond: Are you playing your part in the body of Christ?
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-03-12
Scripture
About this Plan
WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union England & Wales for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.wordlive.org/youversion
