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Chapter 26

Being One Body

The New Testament deals extensively with how we should relate to other Christians and with issues vital for the life of the church. The topics in this chapter are amongst the most prominent themes.

Be One Body

Church members form one body – the body of Christ

[Paul, to the Corinthian church:] A person’s body is only one thing, but it has many parts. Though there are many parts to a body, all those parts make only one body. Christ is like that also. … 27Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body.   1 Corinthians 12:12, 27 NCV™

The term “the body of Christ” figuratively depicts the spiritual union of Jesus Christ with his people. Moreover, it points to the unity Jesus Christ’s people have together in their relationship with him.

While the worldwide church is the whole “body of Christ”, each local church is a form of “the body of Christ”. And in each case the many members together make one body.

Be united as one

Now the whole group of believers was one in heart and soul, and nobody called any of his possessions his own. Instead, they shared everything they owned.   Acts 4:32 ISV

Be at peace with each other

[Paul, to the church in Thessalonica:] Be at peace among yourselves.   1 Thessalonians 5:13b ISV

Submit to one another

[Paul, to the church in Ephesus:] Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ.   Ephesians 5:21 GNT

Do Things Together

Meet together with other believers

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing.   Hebrews 10:25a GNT

Participate together in church activities

They [the disciples] gathered frequently to pray as a group, together with the women and with Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brothers.   Acts 1:14 GNT

[Paul, to the church in Corinth:] My friends, I ask you 16to obey leaders like them and to do the same for all others who work hard with you.   1 Corinthians 16:15b-16 CEV

Church members should participate together in God’s work, cooperating with each other.

Love and Care for Each Other

Love each other as Jesus Christ loved us, even dying for us

[Jesus:] This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you. 13The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.   John 15:12-13 NCV™

Pray constantly for each other

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people.   Ephesians 6:18 CEV

Help each other

[The writer, to believers:] Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.   Galatians 6:2 NET

God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them.   Hebrews 6:10a CEV

Pray for persecuted Christians