In Sickness or in Health

I never have ‘just’ a headache, or ‘just’ a toothache. If any part of my physical body hurts, I know how difficult it is for my other parts to ignore the pain. God designed my body so that if certain parts are injured, other parts will compensate for the injured part. If I strain my knee, soon my hip starts hurting because my hip is using more muscle power to pull the weight that my knee usually carries. On the other hand, if I wake up feeling good, it is because all of my body is doing well, and my whole body can celebrate.

And so it is with the church body—as Paul stated in our Bible verse for today. In close community, when one of us suffers, others also feel the pain and offer comfort. We are not always suffering and can rejoice and celebrate our lives when good things are happening.

No matter what condition we are in, suffering or rejoicing, it is better to go through either state with the help of others. Together, suffering is more bearable, and rejoicing feels even greater. As a member of Christ’s Church, I am committed to helping others and rejoicing with others, whether in sickness or in health.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for creating your Church as a body that functions together in all things. Help us to be more loving when others suffer and more joyful when they are happy. Amen