Mingled Into One Body

Scripture: 3 God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly asses your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem. 4 In the human body there are many parts and organs, each with a unique function. 5 And so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others. 6 God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. 7 If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. 8 If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion, then flourish in your cheerful display of compassion. (Romans 12:3-8 The Passion)

To me this is such a demonstration of God’s grace for us; for the body of Christ. He has imparted to ‘each’ one of us a gift and ministry. And then we are mingled together to form the body of Christ. If we have a false image of our importance, we will miss all that God has intended for us. When we function in our grace-gift(s), there is joy for us and help and encouragement for those around us. We are joined together just as the parts of our body are joined together; each doing their unique part. Thank You, Father, that You chose to give us grace-gifts and to use us to form a body that serves and shares You. Thank You for my grace-gifts and that You have given me opportunity to use them. AMEN Because of my love for You, my God, I will continue to cherish Your words and be blessed. I will be steady and strong; never stingy, but generous to those in need. Psalm 112
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