As we have been moving through 1 Corinthians, we have been seeing this common theme of interconnectedness. Today is no exception. We read in 1 Corinthians 12:25-26: “He has done this intentionally so that every member would look after the others with mutual concern, and so that there will be no division in the body.In that way, whatever happens to one member happens to all. If one suffers, everyone suffers. If one is honored, everyone rejoices” (TPT). Paul is again speaking about interconnectedness. We are all one body. Because we are unified, there should be a mutual concern for each other. Why? “Whatever happens to one member happens to all.”
Consider when there is a co-worker missing at work. Each of you have a particular workload. A co-worker is out and all of the sudden that workload has to be divvied up among the rest of the workers. There is an impact on everyone because of the one. This is true in every situation, especially in the body of Christ. Unfortunately, our mutual concern can turn into finger pointing and judgment, instead of walking alongside someone with grace and love. Paul say, “If one suffers, everyone suffers.” This means that someone else’s shortcomings, someone else’s struggles, someone else’s journey impacts you and I as part of the Body. Rather than judging, we can walk alongside with encouragement, with help for our brother and sister.
Paul also mentions that “if one is honored, everyone rejoices.” This mutual concern is not only for the people who are struggling. We also have concern for those who are doing well and receiving honor. We celebrate with them. We rejoice in what God is doing in them. We rejoice in their achievement. The success of a brother or sister greatly impacts the Body for good, and it glorifies the Father. Let us show our mutual concern for our brothers and sisters through encouragement and praise. Let us be intentional with our brothers and sisters. Whatever happens to one happens to all.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for our brothers and sisters. Lord, we know that we are interconnected. We thank You that we do not walk on this journey alone. You are with us, and You have given us a family of brothers and sisters to journey with us. Thank You for our brothers and sisters. Help us to show mutual concern. May You be honored through our interactions with our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 