Thriving in God’s FamilyNäide

Mutuality: Gifted to Give

Yesterday, we talked about the importance of interdependence in relationships—how belonging to each other means that sometimes we give more than what we get back (and vice versa). But while people’s contributions aren’t necessarily equal, relationships do require mutuality, which means that each person contributes toward the other.

In mutual relationships, we aren’t always equally equipped, but we’re equally committed. We show up for each other with whatever we have. Reviewing the apostle Paul’s metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12 is helpful here: “If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body” (vv. 15-16 ESV).

The parts of the body have a mutual, or shared, relationship with one another—even though they aren’t alike or equal. In his sermon “Unity of the Spirit,” Dr. Stanley says, “The body of Christ cannot function properly unless each part is doing its job.”

Reflect:
“Mutual” is sometimes confused with “equal.” What is the difference between these two words?

What happens when one member of the body doesn’t take his or her responsibility seriously? Or when one member tries to do everything?

Are you fulfilling your role in the body? In what way? Or if not, what’s the reason?