One of the great benefits of being a member of the Lord’s church is being a part of the greatest family on earth—the family of God.  Christians are those who have been born again and given the right to be children of God (John 1:12-13).  

Being a part of a great spiritual family is, indeed, a blessing, but it is also a responsibility, and not only to our heavenly Father.  We have many responsibilities toward one another in Christ.  This week, let’s look at 5 of them.

We have a responsibility to care for one another in Christ.  

1 Corinthians 12:24-26 (ESV)
²⁴…But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵ that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Using the human body as an analogy for the church is brilliant because there are so many similarities between the two.  Both have many members, but still make up one body.  Both are made up of members that share in importance in the overall well-being of the body, and both have members that must rely on one another to be as healthy as they can be.

I want us to notice especially that Paul says that we must, as members of the body of Christ, “have the same care for one another.”  The word “care” is from the Greek word “merimnaō,” which means “to be anxious about” (Strong).  Interestingly enough, it is the same word used in the Sermon on the Mount by Jesus when He exhorted citizens of the future kingdom of God not to worry.  

Matthew 6:25 (ESV)
²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Paul tells us to do that which Jesus tells us not to do.  Is there a contradiction?  No, because they are talking about two different things.  Jesus was referring to our attitude toward the necessities of life, something that God has promised to supply for us.  To worry about those things demonstrates a lack of faith in our heavenly Father.

To be anxious about a brother or sister in Christ who is somehow struggling, be it spiritually, financially, emotionally, or physically, is not to show a lack of faith, but to demonstrate the proper love for each other.  If we love each other, we will care for one another.

Caring for one another is not something we just talk about; it is seen by emotions that are acted upon outwardly.  Paul said, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”  Why?  Because we are members one of another (Romans 12:5).  This points to the intimate connection we have with each other in Christ.

Physically, if I injure a member of my body, the entire body responds.  It should be the same with the body of Christ.  If you hurt, I hurt.  If something in life (that is pleasing to God) brings you joy and happiness, I should rejoice with you because in a healthy body, there is no jealousy, pettiness, or selfishness.  There is only love, and love truly cares.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.