My cousin gave me a beautiful beaded bracelet. 

Her friend had designed it, and I was fascinated by each of the individual beads, which were in shades of purple, pink, blue and green. 

No two beads were exactly alike in colour, size or shape, and each bead made its own unique contribution; the omission of any one bead would have lessened the beauty of the bracelet.

This bracelet reminds me of Paul’s description of the church being like parts of the human body. Each individual part has a specific function to perform in the body of Christ, and every part is needed and special. 

Paul writes that God’s desire is ‘that there… be no dissension within the body’, so that ‘the members may have the same care for one another’ (1 Corinthians 12:25, NRSV). We are called to support one another and celebrate each person’s role in the church.

Like the beads in my bracelet, coming together to create a beautiful whole, we in the church are called to use the unique gifts God has given us ‘for the common good’ (1 Corinthians 12:7, NRSV). 

When we come together in appreciation and support of one another’s gifts, we are truly living out our role as members of the body of Christ.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for giving each of us a special part to play in your body. Help us to serve you faithfully each day. Amen