Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

1 Corinthians 12:22-27

...And the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Paul stressed here again that we are all the body of Christ and we are different parts of the body. There are always stronger and weaker parts of the body, and in the same manner there are different types of people in the church. Some are born to be disciplined, but others are not; some have lived a very smooth life, but some have always been troubled by issues; some are spiritual strong, others are weak. The church always teaches people to practice spiritual discipline and life; some are willing but too weak to follow, and they slowly fall behind. Eventually, the ones who are spiritual strong cannot identify with those who are weak, and the weak ones don't feel that they belong and end up leaving.

Whenever I see such situation, I feel sad. The church should be the first place for people to seek and find help, but now it's the last resort. When those who are suffering inside or single parents come to church, they are instantly condemned and criticized by the likes of Pharisees, and thus cannot receive the help they need. The church must turn back in this regard, because it means that the church has not restored the gifts of the full gospel from God. When the Holy Spirit is moving, there should be deliverance, healing, faith, power, charity and providence. Just like what Paul said, we ought to give "greater honor to the parts that lacked it." It is only possible when the Holy Spirit is moving.

Indeed, we must learn to care for other parts of the body, so that all those in need but be provided for. Why do we need to care for each other? Because you never know when you will be the fallen one, and you will need someone's help and prayer. May God help us to humble ourselves and care for one another, and let the grace Jesus come upon us.

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, please remember those of us who are weak. Give us a heart that supports those who are weak, so that we may give greater honor to the parts that lacked it. Let us be humble and care for each others; let our virtue cover the shortcomings of others, and let our shortcomings be covered by the virtues of others. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!