What Part Has God Given You in the Body of Christ?

[David]

A hand does not become discouraged because it cannot see, and an eye does not feel useless because it cannot walk. Every part of the body has a purpose, but every part does not have the same purpose. The same is true in the body of Christ.

Paul wrote, “For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). I think we sometimes forget that. We look at another believer and think we should be doing what they are doing, but God never intended every Christian to serve in the same way.

Some believers are able to explain Scripture clearly. Others are especially good at encouraging someone who is struggling. Some are bold when speaking about Christ, while others serve quietly behind the scenes. The parts are different, but that does not make one more important than another.

Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Paul planted the seed, and Apollos watered what had already been planted. Neither man did everything, and neither man could make that seed come to life.

God gave the increase.

That should take some of the pressure off us. We cannot save anyone, change a heart, or force someone to grow spiritually. Our responsibility is to be faithful with the opportunity God puts in front of us and leave the results with Him.

Maybe you shared the gospel with someone and saw no response. That does not mean the conversation was wasted. You may have planted a seed that another believer will water later, and God may use both of you in a way neither of you will ever fully see.

Maybe you encouraged someone who was ready to quit. You may not realize how much that simple word helped them. Sometimes a verse shared at the right moment, a phone call, a prayer, or a few honest words can keep someone from giving up.

Most things God uses do not happen behind a pulpit or in front of a crowd. Some of the most important service in the body of Christ happens quietly. Someone listens when a hurting person needs to talk, someone prays when nobody else knows there is a need, and someone reaches out privately when another believer feels alone.

Peter wrote, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another” (1 Peter 4:10). The gift is not given so we can make a name for ourselves or prove how spiritual we are. God gives what He gives so we can serve one another and bring glory to Christ.

We also need to be careful not to judge another believer because their part is different from ours. Paul said, “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee” (1 Corinthians 12:21). The teacher needs the encourager, the evangelist needs the one who prays, and the person who plants needs the person who waters.

None of us is the whole body.

Maybe your part right now is helping a new believer understand Scripture. Maybe it is speaking the gospel to someone who has never heard it clearly. Maybe it is encouraging someone not to give up, praying for a person who seems far from God, or asking an honest question that opens the door for a helpful discussion.

Do not despise the part God has placed in front of you just because it does not look impressive. A quiet act of obedience can matter far more than something public that receives a lot of attention. God is not asking us to be famous, but He does require us to be faithful.

I would like to hear what others think about this. What do you believe God has given you to do in the body of Christ, and what kind of service keeps coming back to your heart? Has another believer ever told you that something you said or did helped them during a difficult time?

We do not all plant, and we do not all water. We do not all speak, serve, encourage, teach, or pray in the same way. But each of us should faithfully use whatever God has placed in our hands.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

 

[Yesua888]

A hand does not become discouraged because it cannot see, and an eye does not feel useless because it cannot walk. Every part of the body has a purpose, but every part does not have the same purpose. The same is true in the body of Christ.

Paul wrote, “For the body is not one member, but many” (1 Corinthians 12:14). I think we sometimes forget that. We look at another believer and think we should be doing what they are doing, but God never intended every Christian to serve in the same way.

Some believers are able to explain Scripture clearly. Others are especially good at encouraging someone who is struggling. Some are bold when speaking about Christ, while others serve quietly behind the scenes. The parts are different, but that does not make one more important than another.

Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Paul planted the seed, and Apollos watered what had already been planted. Neither man did everything, and neither man could make that seed come to life.

God gave the increase.

That should take some of the pressure off us. We cannot save anyone, change a heart, or force someone to grow spiritually. Our responsibility is to be faithful with the opportunity God puts in front of us and leave the results with Him.

Maybe you shared the gospel with someone and saw no response. That does not mean the conversation was wasted. You may have planted a seed that another believer will water later, and God may use both of you in a way neither of you will ever fully see.

Maybe you encouraged someone who was ready to quit. You may not realize how much that simple word helped them. Sometimes a verse shared at the right moment, a phone call, a prayer, or a few honest words can keep someone from giving up.

Most things God uses do not happen behind a pulpit or in front of a crowd. Some of the most important service in the body of Christ happens quietly. Someone listens when a hurting person needs to talk, someone prays when nobody else knows there is a need, and someone reaches out privately when another believer feels alone.

Peter wrote, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another” (1 Peter 4:10). The gift is not given so we can make a name for ourselves or prove how spiritual we are. God gives what He gives so we can serve one another and bring glory to Christ.

We also need to be careful not to judge another believer because their part is different from ours. Paul said, “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee” (1 Corinthians 12:21). The teacher needs the encourager, the evangelist needs the one who prays, and the person who plants needs the person who waters.

None of us is the whole body.

Maybe your part right now is helping a new believer understand Scripture. Maybe it is speaking the gospel to someone who has never heard it clearly. Maybe it is encouraging someone not to give up, praying for a person who seems far from God, or asking an honest question that opens the door for a helpful discussion.

Do not despise the part God has placed in front of you just because it does not look impressive. A quiet act of obedience can matter far more than something public that receives a lot of attention. God is not asking us to be famous, but He does require us to be faithful.

I would like to hear what others think about this. What do you believe God has given you to do in the body of Christ, and what kind of service keeps coming back to your heart? Has another believer ever told you that something you said or did helped them during a difficult time?

We do not all plant, and we do not all water. We do not all speak, serve, encourage, teach, or pray in the same way. But each of us should faithfully use whatever God has placed in our hands.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

Dear David,

I am going to jump in first ... and sincerely Hope that others will still answer your question above. Everyone has their story to tell ...

Your post touches me deeply, and I think you know how deeply
Recently I have been "hurting" and have turned privately to a few of my Bros & Sis on BTF, for advice ... I received understanding, encouragement, comfort and hope.
The responses received as a result of me "wearing my heart on my sleeve", have changed my life
Having such Wholesome and truly God inspired fellowship here, keeps changing my life.
It gives me hope through the tough times
In the past I have overcome many obstacles, addictions, yet I have to say not all addictions ... I am addicted to Christ and to visiting BTF daily, sometimes more than once a day
Thank you Brothers and Sister in Christ, for your Love and Encouragement

The Difference between Putting Down and Building Up:

The fundamental difference lies in motivation and outcome: the "putting down" Christian operates from pride, judgment, and a lack of love, while the "building up" Christian is guided by radical humility, servanthood, and love.

Putting Down: Pride and Destruction

• Attitude: This approach is characterized by a superiority complex and a judgmental spirit, often looking down on those with weaker consciences or different beliefs. It mirrors the behavior Jesus rebuked in the Pharisees.
• Speech: It involves cutting remarks, gossip, and slander that wound deeply, creating conflict, division, and strife.
• Theological Flaw: It ignores the inherent worth of others made in God’s image and fails to recognize that knowledge without love is spiritually useless and harmful.

Building Up: Love and Edification

• Attitude: This approach is rooted in radical humility and the belief that God is at work in all situations, even when unseen. It seeks to bear with the weaknesses of others rather than judge them.
• Speech: It employs wise, healing words that encourage, comfort, and restore. It prioritizes what is helpful for the listener’s growth over the speaker’s desire to be right.
• Theological Basis: It follows the biblical command that love is patient and kind, seeking to edify the body of believers and reflect the grace God has shown.

 

[David]

The Difference between Putting Down and Building Up

I am glad the fellowship here has encouraged you and helped you through some difficult times. What you described is exactly part of what I was trying to bring out in the OP. God often uses one believer to strengthen another through prayer, Scripture, encouragement, and simply being willing to listen.

I also agree that we should build one another up rather than tear one another down. At the same time, biblical love does not avoid truth or correction. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). The goal should never be to win, embarrass, or wound someone. It should be to speak the truth in love so that the body may grow in Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16).

It sounds like God may be using what you have gone through to help you recognize and encourage others who are hurting.

 

[David]

I will answer the OP question for myself as I see it:

What Part Has God Given You in the Body of Christ?​

I sense God has given me a burden to direct people back to His Word and to plainly declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems that my role is to teach Scripture, answer questions, point out error when necessary, and provide a venue where people can openly discuss the Bible. I am not trying to build a platform for myself. I want people to test everything by Scripture and learn to look to Christ.

God has also given me a heart for those who are confused, discouraged, or being deceived away from the gospel's simplicity. Often this means planting the seed by sharing truth. Other times this means watering the seeds that someone else has planted. Yet in other situations, this means encouraging a believer to keep holding firm or issuing a warning when false teaching is presented as truth.

I realize I cannot make someone love God. “God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). My job is to be faithful in the opportunities that He provides whether it be through a forum post, Bible article, private message, song, or everyday conversation. I believe my role is to continue directing people to Jesus Christ and asking, “What saith the scripture?” (Romans 4:3).

 

[TitusTwoWife]

I'm a Titus 2 mentor and example for younger women. I love the Lord and explaining His ways. I love explaining His beautiful design for married women and women in general.

 

[bobinfaith]

What Part Has God Given You in the Body of Christ?
I sense God has given me a burden to direct people back to His Word and to plainly declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems that my role is to teach Scripture, answer questions, point out error when necessary, and provide a venue where people can openly discuss the Bible.

I am not trying to build a platform for myself.

I want people to test everything by Scripture and learn to look to Christ. God has also given me a heart for those who are confused, discouraged, or being deceived away from the gospel's simplicity. Often this means planting the seed by sharing truth. Other times this means watering the seeds that someone else has planted. Yet in other situations, this means encouraging a believer to keep holding firm or issuing a warning when false teaching is presented as truth.

I realize I cannot make someone love God.

“God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). My job is to be faithful in the opportunities that He provides whether it be through a forum post, Bible article, private message, song, or everyday conversation. I believe my role is to continue directing people to Jesus Christ and asking, “What saith the scripture?” (Romans 4:3).

I'm a Titus 2 mentor and example for younger women. I love the Lord and explaining His ways. I love explaining His beautiful design for married women and women in general.

Hello David and TitusTwoWife;

I came across a thread you wrote early this morning and now I can't find it. There is so much information here and that's a good thing. I believe God called you to direct people back to His Word.

When you confess that you're not trying to build a platform for yourself or you cannot make someone love God is because it's not for your glory, but for God's. Your point is well taken!

We look at this from two other angles;

When we look at the Bible, it has so much information in 66 books and that's a good thing. God is speaking to us through His Word and it's for His glory.

When we look at the Gospels Jesus went all over on foot to fulfill the Scriptures by tending to the poor in Spirit, the hungry and healing the sick. He trained His disciples as they walked throughout Roman-occupied Judea, the Galilee and Samaria.

TitusTwoWife, it's a blessing to know you are ministering to younger women. Please keep doing as God leads you.

In Proverbs 31:26, 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. - RSV

The self reliance and individualism of many younger women in these times tend to shun sound, Godly wisdom from elderly Christian women.

God bless you, David, and TitusTwoWife.

Bob

 

[Yesua888]

Hello David and TitusTwoWife;

I came across a thread you wrote early this morning and now I can't find it. There is so much information here and that's a good thing. I believe God called you to direct people back to His Word.

When you confess that you're not trying to build a platform for yourself or you cannot make someone love God is because it's not for your glory, but for God's. Your point is well taken!

When we look at this from two other angles;

When we look at the Bible, it has so much information in 66 books and that's a good thing. God is speaking to us through His Word and it's for His glory.

When we look at the Gospels Jesus went all over on foot to fulfill the Scriptures by tending to the poor in Spirit, the hungry and healing the sick. He trained His disciples as they walked throughout Roman-occupied Judea, the Galilee and Samaria.

TitusTwoWife, it's a blessing to know you are ministering to younger women. Please keep doing as God leads you.

In Proverbs 31:26, 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. - RSV

The self reliance and individualism of many younger women in these times tend to shun sound, Godly wisdom from elderly Christian women.

God bless you, David, and TitusTwoWife.

Bob

Dear Brother Bob,

A few years ago, on another forum is where I first saw your name, and knew that you were a True Man of God, and a "Builder" ...
At first, when you asked me "a personal question" about my faith, I was taken aback ...
I prayed on it, and then opened up. I have never looked back since then.

You dear Brother, have the ability (a Gift), to get people to open up, and take the next step ...

You always listen, encourage, comfort and include ... Thank you Brother!

 

[bobinfaith]

Good morning, Yesua888;

You're a joiner and an encourager. God bless you for that. When you have a question you ask and I read them. At times it's the same question we / I am asking. I believe this is what God intends for all who follow Him.

David posted, "At the same time, biblical love does not avoid truth or correction. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6). The goal should never be to win, embarrass, or wound someone. It should be to speak the truth in love so that the body may grow in Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16)."

When we bottle things up or our hearts aren't right, it's an easy way out to win, embarrass, or wound someone. But God is faithful, He is there to help and guide each of us to speak in truth and love so we all may grow in Christ. This is the reason for continued engaging, reading, listening and learning. We can't do this if we go it alone.

Ephesians 4:15-16, 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love. - RSV

Ephesians 4:29-31, 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - NIV

God bless you, Yesua888 and your entire family.

Bob