Monday 11 December 2023

Psalm 42

Background

Christian unity is based on the reality that all Christians are joined to one another through their relationship with Christ. That means a mutual sharing of both joy and suffering. This is clearly expressed in Paul’s response to the news that Timothy has brought back to Athens from Thessalonica. In spite of being separated by geography, Paul and his fellow Christians are able to encourage one another through their mutual love and prayers. In one of his later letters (I Corinthians 12.12-31) Paul develops this insight in terms of the body of Christ. Just as the different parts of our bodies are dependent on each other in order to be healthy and fulfil their purpose, so the different members of the Christian community are totally dependent on one another for their spiritual growth and flourishing.

The Covid-19 epidemic is a recent example of when many people felt isolated and separated from their fellow Christians. We became much more conscious of our need of each other. Like Paul, we were desperate for a way of meeting face to face, but even when that was impossible we were still bound together as the body of Christ.

To Ponder:

• What has been your experience of separation from fellow Christians? How has it affected you?
• Think of someone whose faith and life has encouraged you through a difficult time in your life.

Previously published in 2020.