We are all part of one body - the body of Christ. By using this symbol, Paul showed us that we are all interdependent - we need each other. When we belong to the same body, all can experience the pain or joy of one. No one is unimportant; no one should lord it over another. God distributes many gifts among the members of the body, but they do not belong to us. The gifts are all to be used for the common good. There is no room for ego, competitiveness, or selfishness in the body of Christ. Let us learn to see the uniqueness and value of others and focus less on self.

Compassion means the ability to feel with another person and it can be very powerful. Jesus was able to feel the pain and sorrow of the widow whose only son had just died. He raised the young man from the dead and restored him to his mother. We probably will not be able to do something so dramatic, but we might be surprised at how much we can do. Listening to others with the heart and putting ourselves in their place can teach us compassion. We will be able to do wonderful things for others by listening compassionately and the acts of kindness that we do will have the power of God's Spirit in them. The world can be a cold and heartless place but we have the power to bring light and warmth.