Romans 12:4-16

Romans 12:4-16

This passage is about our relationship to the church--the body of Christ--of which we are a part. The church is here compared to the human body which has many parts, and each part has a special function. So it is with the church. Every part is important and dependent on the other parts. In a healthy body the parts function in harmony under the direction of the brain. In the church, the Lord Jesus is our "brain." As believers we should work together in harmony under His command.
1 Corinthians 12 also compares the church--the body of Christ--to the human body.

In His grace, God has given different gifts: prophecy, faith, serving others, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, kindness, hospitality. We are to practice our gifts gladly and to the best of our ability. Of course, everyone should have faith, be giving and kind, etc. but some people are particularly gifted in certain areas. We should love, honor, and support one another. A properly functioning human body does not fight against itself, but all the parts work together for the good of the body. Also, when one part is hurting, the whole body hurts.

The passage ends with these words, "Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. (This is still in the context of the church so Paul is acknowledging that sometimes the road may be rocky.) Be happy with those who are happy (no jealousy allowed), and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!"

Thanks for the good advice!