The New Testament frequently notes the difference between individuals. Ephesians affirms that to each of us grace has been given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. In Jesus' parables, servants receive a different number of talents. Ephesians speaks of the building up of the body as one. Similarly in Romans and 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks of the body of Christ and reminds us that a body is made up of different parts, each part essential for the good of the whole. So in the Church there are prophets and evangelists, pastors and teachers.

"Grace has been given". This is an indirect way of saying "God has given". God has created us male and female, at a certain time and place in history, in a certain race and with a certain cultural background. God has "predefined" each of us in a certain way, so that each would be a very special, a unique image and likeness of our Creator. All difference comes from God. The New Testament is more attentive to this difference and uniqueness than it is to equality and uniformity. Jesus and the New Testament writers look at this difference and uniqueness with the eyes of faith and not with the eyes of prejudice and envy. Difference is to be celebrated as God's gift, not to be exploited in a sinful way.