Daily Devotion, May 28, 2020

Devotion: Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13.

When Paul talks about the unifying work of the Holy Spirit, he uses the “one body” as a word picture because each part of the body needs every other part. The human body is amazing. Each part depends on the other parts. We have all experienced how something as simple as a headache can affect other parts of the body. While every part has an important role to play, no part is independent. All parts must work together so that the body can function well as a whole.

Writing to the Corinthians, Paul describes the body of believers in terms of the human body to show how everyone depends on one another. This helps us to understand Christ’s command to love each other. Our differing giftedness is for the common good, not for selfish pursuits or desires. Followers of Jesus are interrelated with every other person in the body of Christ. Though each believer may be unique, each believer is also dependent on the rest. Like interrelated body parts, Christians must work together in unity and oneness of purpose to help bring about growing God's kingdom by sharing the Good News. The Holy Spirit empowers each of us to use our gifts and abilities for the good of others, guiding us to build up the body of Christ. What are your spiritual gifts? Are you using them to God’s glory? Personal Worship Option: Thank you, Father, that I am part of the Body of Christ. I have been baptized into one body by the one Spirit. I pray that on that basis I may fulfill my function in life to be an instrument for you, right where I live and work.