For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

–Parallel verses:
Revelation‬ ‭21:1-5‬a
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

When God created Adam, he was very intentional about this act. “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule …’” (Genesis‬ ‭1:26‬) Then he formed woman: ‬‬ “So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.” (Genesis‬ ‭2:21-22‬) He made man in his own image. He took a rib from man and made woman. So, we can deduce woman was made in God’s image as well. He also made the first man and the first woman to work together. This family unit would eventually have children and grandchildren. And this was the start of how God made us.

Fast forward to the end of the movie of life: God is creating a new heaven and a new earth. And he will dwell right among his people. Again, the term people of God highlights a family, or a togetherness of the people. This is what Paul is talking about. From the beginning and throughout time and in the end, God desires his people to belong to each other, to help each other, and to do his kingdom work together. We are called “The Church”, “The Bride of Christ”, and in Romans, the members of one body. So what does it mean to belong to one another? This means we help each other live life under God’s plan and his direction. We bless each other with our skills and abilities. We serve each other selflessly.

If the arm isn’t getting enough blood flow and the nutrients in the blood don’t flow through to the arm, it will not function well. Same with the other parts of the body. Likewise, if one of our brothers or sisters in Christ need care, the body of Christ should come together and serve, sacrifice for, and love on them!

Lord, thank you that I belong to your family! Teach me to take better care to serve my “body parts” well. May we help lift each other up and work together to bring truth and mercy and joy and righteousness into a dark world!