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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Meditation
Romans 12:5-16

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another." (Romans 12:5)

As members of the body of Christ, we should be aware that we are part of a bigger whole: Each of us has a unique role to play in supporting that body. But Paul reminds us here that on a smaller scale, we are called to relate to one another individually as well. How often do I think about the people in my parish, prayer group, or faith community? Each may have something special to offer me. One person may bring out a sense of humor I didn’t know I had, so that together we can laugh at life’s ups and downs. Another may honor me by pointing to the wisdom or patience I have learned over the years. I may not be aware of such gifts unless someone else mentions them, especially if I tend to focus only on my weaknesses and not my strengths.

It is also true that I have something to give other believers. If I approach each person with profound respect and openness, I may be able to see how God is calling someone forward or equipping them for a new challenge. Another person may draw out my compassion, leading me to pray for what he or she needs at this exact moment. As I look at my brothers and sisters with the eyes of Christ, I can help them develop the goodness I see unfolding within them.

The spiritual gifts Paul mentions—ministry, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, acts of mercy—are most effective when they are nurtured by other Christians. It’s hard to exercise any gift without at least some kind of encouragement. Perhaps that’s why Paul advises us to be sincere and affectionate in our dealings with each other, and to “anticipate one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:9-10).

Which brothers and sisters will you encounter today? Who has meant a lot to you and encouraged you in the past? Have you thanked that person? Whom do you find challenging to love? May the Lord open our eyes to see each person’s unique gifts, and to honor every member of his body on earth.

“Lord, thank you for every person you have given me in your body. Show us all how to be a blessing to each other today.”

Psalm 131:1-3; Luke 14:15-24

One Bread, One Body

<< Tuesday, November 6, 2007 >>

Romans 12:5-16

Psalm 131

Luke 14:15-24

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THE UNITY GIFTS

"We, though many, are one body in Christ." —Romans 12:5

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, was trying to overcome the divisions between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Paul mentioned several spiritual gifts used to promote unity. Even more than the Romans, we who live today need to use these gifts to foster unity. Our Christianity is denominationalized, our marriages and families broken, and our civilization divided into races, cultures, and nations. We need unity desperately.

The first gift of unity Paul mentioned was prophecy (Rm 12:6). A prophet can pierce the most hardened heart with God's "now-word" and thus break down walls of division. The gift of faith makes us confident we will be reconciled despite years of division (Rm 12:6). When we use the gift of ministry, we serve each other in the most practical ways (Rm 12:7). An anointed teacher (Rm 12:7) proclaims the truth that sets us free from division (Jn 8:32). Those with the gift of exhortation encourage us to persevere in promoting unity (Rm 12:8). Otherwise we would probably quit just before a real breakthrough.

When we give alms to our enemies, we break down barriers (Rm 12:8). Paul took up a collection from Gentile Christians to feed Jewish Christians. Careful leaders defuse potentially explosive situations and promote unity through a well-ordered, just society (Rm 12:8). Those performing works of mercy show us the love of Christ on Calvary (Rm 12:8). This love bridges all gaps.

In our divided world, we must learn to use the gifts of unity.

Prayer: Father, may I be effective in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18).

Promise: "I want my house to be full." —Lk 14:23

Praise: Joyce prays for the conversion of Jews and Muslims.