Day 11: Ephesians 4:4-5, 1 Corinthians 12:25, Romans 12:15

One body in Christ

The church refers to the believers, those whom God has redeemed and saved through His sacrifice.  Paul described the church as the body of Christ.  Though there are various members, each with different roles, together they form the one body of Christ, which is the church.  In other words, the church is where unity is maintained within diversity.  Why did God place diverse members in the church, all being part of the one body of Christ?  It's because He desired there to be no division within the body, but rather, for the various members to care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25).  Hence, a ministry of caring is essential for the church.  Rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep, forms a community (Rom. 12:15) that is undoubtedly beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.

The reason why establishing such a community is possible lies in the triune nature of God.  Just as the triune God, who is perfectly unified in diversity, the church should also strive for unity amidst diversity.  We have one hope, one faith, and one baptism (Eph. 4:4-5).  A community that lives in devotion to one Lord can preserve the unity of the church in the midst of diversity.