Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Still my mind, Lord, and let me hear you.
Paul continues his instructions for church practice. As on previous occasions, such as the eating of sacrificial meat or the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, he tells his readers to be considerate of each other; here he applies that principle to their use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What follows is an extended metaphor. The body as an image of society appears in ancient Greek story-telling and philosophy as well as in a work by Roman historian Livy. Possibly alluding to these precursors, Paul uses ‘body language’ to describe the Church – the body of Christ.
A fully functioning organism relies on all individual parts and their perfect synergy. Church thrives when fellowship and worship run in an orderly fashion and each member contributes. In Chapter 13, Paul will go on to reveal the one thing that will hold the Corinthian body together, above all else: love. Not the romance of wedding days, but the steady, selfless, sacrificial love of Christ.
Show me, Lord, how to support people in my church and play my part.
This reflection was written by Michael Pfundner, Bible Society's Publishing Support Manager
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