08/05/2026
In the community of believers, everyone is needed
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The worldwide church has both unity and diversity. The same is true at the local level in the different congregations.
Believers form a unity through “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). At the same time, the Holy Spirit gives them “varieties of gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:4). One receives great faith, another the gift of sharing knowledge, a third is called to take a leadership role, et cetera. So, in addition to all the existing differences in background, character, and life circumstances, God deliberately generates even more diversity!
Paul compares the church to a body made up of many different parts, each with its own function within the whole. Not a single one can be missed! Imagine a body consisting entirely of hands, or entirely of eyes. That obviously wouldn’t work. Or even if only one body part were missing, it would already cause a serious limitation. For the body to function well, all the parts must play their own role.
When we apply this to the community of believers, it is important to value both the unity and the diversity. We can use our unique gifts for the benefit of the whole.
Do you feel valued in the (faith) community you are part of? How do you fit within the whole?
