The Apostle Paul when writing to the church at Corinth likened the body of Christ (Every believer being the body of Christ) to the human body. Starting at verse 18 we read, "But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” (I Corinthians 12:18-21)
So there we have it, Biblical support that we truly need each other. It does not matter what your talents or spiritual gifts might be. If you are a believer of Christ you are an important member of His body - the church. And just as God has put each member of our body where he desires it, He does the same with us as individuals within the body of Christ.
Now that we have the knowledge of knowing we need each other, let us take it to the next level and adjust the way we live our lives accordingly. Here are some practical ways the scriptures instruct us to live in this manner.
- We need each other in worshipping God. Sure there are some aspects of worshipping God we can do alone, but there are others we can not. Such as "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." (Ephesian 5:19) It is hard to speak and sing to others if you are not around others, wouldn't you agree?
- We need the encouragement of one another. There are many times I find myself needing the encouragement of another person. It might be that I am going through a difficult time or even a time of testing or temptation concerning my walk with God. We are taught Hebrews 3:13 "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin"
- We need the prayers offered on by others. James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."
- We need the correction or even rebuke of others. This is a tough one. No one likes to be corrected and it is not the easiest thing in the world to have to confront a believer concerning thier conduct. But when you stop and consider the alternative to not doing so, it is better to be confronted or having to confront than paying the spiritual consequences. Luke 17:3So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
- We need to celebrate and mourn with others. Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Celebrating is much more enjoyable when you have someone to celebrate with. It is true of sporting events, personal achievements, the birth of a child, and even more true when it comes to celebrating God's blessings and presence in our lives. But life is not always joyful, at times their are periods of extreme loss and suffering. It is during those times we who grieve need others who will grieve with us. Whether it is the sorrow that comes from losing a loved one, or the unwanted news of an illness, or a broken marriage. What we need during those times is for others to empathize with us, not ignore us like we have the black plague.
We could go on, because God's word is full of "one another" passages, but I think we all get the point, "WE NEED EACH OTHER." So right at this moment, why not ask God to show you how you can make a difference in the life of someone else this day.
