Verse:1 Corinthians 12:24-26
But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Thoughts
Historically in times of crisis the church has banded together for the good of each other and the good of the community. This is one of the beautiful things about the what the Bible calls “the Body of Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul goes out of his way to describe in detail how we are so connected to one another it is like being different parts of one body. You are a hand, I am a foot, someone else is an eye.
During this stressful time I think it is important to remember this. You are not alone. As a part of CityLight, you are part of our local “body of Christ.” And our first call (after worshiping Jesus) is to be there for each other. In fact if you read the first description of the early movement of believers it said things like this in Acts 2:
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need…They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
We are not alone. If one of us suffers, we all suffer and draw near to that person (family) with love and practical care. If one rejoices, we all rejoice and celebrate with them. If one is in need, we work together to be a blessing and meet those needs.
This particular crisis is a unique one in that it is forcing us to isolate. There are actually articles being written about proper “social distancing.” That obviously flows against our normal call to gather together in large and small groups, to build community, to love each other, and to strengthen each other. So in this time we need be extra intentional about staying connected to each other. Here are some practical ways:
- Do you know someone in our church who is older or vulnerable that you could reach out to with a phone call or some sort of practical help?
- Do you know someone who struggles with anxiety on a normal basis, and for whom these times may be particularly trying? Could you reach out to them with prayer or an encouraging text?
- What can you do to stay connected yourself? Are you texting friends from church to stay connected?
- Do you need prayer? Are you reaching out to people, or are you isolating and assuming people have “enough to worry about.”
- Do you know someone who is single and maybe feels extra alone during this time? Could you reach out to them in some way?
I’m sure there are more ways. But you get it. How can you stay connected during this time? Let’s not isolate emotionally while we are forced to isolate physically in many ways. And remember, you are not alone!
Tk you dear family..much live and prayers.
Plz cont to pray for my business and upcoming wedding.
May not be able to have our wedding in my church as prayers
How does one become comfortable with asking for prayer? It is a foreign concept to me from the church I am familiar with. In my mind, it is a form of weakness to let others know you’re not alright. Especially those whom you don’t really know. I can’t seem to be able to bring myself to making others aware that I may need or want help.
Scott – I understand that it can be uncomfortable at first, especially if you aren’t used to it. And instead of viewing it as a sign of weakness, maybe you could view it as a sign of health and self-awareness. A professional football player who gets physical therapy so they can compete at a high level isn’t weak, they are being healthy. One who ignores it the pain eventually ends up with a serious injury. That’s not weakness, it’s unhealthy and dangerous. The body of Christ is meant to “be here for each other.” If you don’t go to CityLight I encourage you to find a local church you feel called to and build relationships that over time you’ll be ready to ask for prayer when you need it – and to GIVE prayer to others when they need it!
Thank you for these devotionals and trying to keep us together as best as possible in these isolating times. I’m very grateful for most everything in my life and I am glad to be able to be a part of this church family. Stay well and hope to see us all together in person soon.
I like these daily devotionals. Thanks for making them available.
How do I find the service on the Internet? Sunday’s service?
Page – we will be on Facebook Live – if you to to this website: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvineyard you should be able to see it after 10am in the “feed.”
Such an important message for me to hear. Being part of the body is a new part of my spiritual journey and one I don’t want to take for granted. I enjoyed seeing the Facebook service and the devotionals with comments make my day!
Kelly I am so glad you are part of CityLight!