In a world that celebrates the loudest voices and those with stellar achievements, it is easy, even within families, to overlook the quieter roles or unseen efforts that hold everything together. The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 on the other hand, reminds us that every member of the body is indispensable, no matter how visible or hidden our contributions may be.
Paul likens the Church to a human body that is diverse in its parts yet unified in purpose. Each part—the eye, hand or foot—is different but each one is essential. “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” (1 Corinthians 12:21 NIV). This is a message that everyone in our homes and church families needs to hear again and again: no one is too small, too young, too old, too quiet or too weak to matter.
no one is too small, too young, too old, too quiet or too weak to matter.
Take the humble toe, for instance. We rarely think about our toes until one of them gets stubbed! And yet, toes are vital for balance and mobility. There is even an annual World Toe Wrestling Championship held in England, giving honour to this overlooked part of the body in a rather humorous way. But humour aside, Paul’s point is noteworthy that even the “weaker” parts are necessary.
This principle has powerful implications for our homes. We might applaud the breadwinner, the decision-maker or the one in charge of household affairs. But what about the child who encourages a sibling? The parent who does laundry late at night? The grandparent who prays daily over the family? These hidden acts of love are the very heartbeat of Christian community within the home.
To further illustrate this truth, consider the story of Dr Paul Brand, a medical missionary who served in India. He noticed something fascinating about the way families cared for patients in hospital. Often, loved ones would bring hot meals, sleep on the floor beside the patient’s bed and massage their limbs through the night when pain flared up. Initially, Dr Brand found these practices unsanitary and disruptive. But over time, he saw something remarkable and realised that patients who received this tender, loving care needed less pain medication and recovered more quickly and fully. These family members were not trained doctors but their love and presence brought healing in ways medicine could not. These acts of love are not unlike the spiritual support that forms the heartbeat of Christian community where members can experience “healing through presence, not just prescription”.
This is the essence of Paul’s teaching in verse 26: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.” The body of Christ works as God intended when it feels, responds in love and supports one another as one.
Our own family experienced this truth over the past year and a half when my wife Angela faced a serious health challenge. What began as abdominal cramps escalated into emergency surgery. Doctors discovered not just a ruptured appendix but also cancerous cells within it. In a matter of days, Angela had to undergo a second surgery to remove part of her large intestine.
It was a trying season emotionally, physically and spiritually. But amid fear and uncertainty, we experienced what it meant to be part of a larger body. God ministered to us through our family and community: Fairfield Methodist Church leaders, cell group members, friends, relatives and even acquaintances we had not connected with for years. They cooked meals, watched over our boys, and shared songs, verses and hand-drawn cards. They prayed, visited and supported us in countless ways and gave us space when we needed it by interceding in the background. This outpouring of love and solidarity sustained our family through the storm.
Our then Pastor-in-Charge, Rev Wendy Tay, who was going through her own health challenges, regularly checked in and prayed with Angela, and ministered to her through a meaningful time of prayer before the second surgery. Our cell group organised prayer vigils during Angela’s hospitalisation, surgery and subsequent chemotherapy sessions. They even processed the situation with our sons and gave them opportunities to express their emotions by checking in periodically on how they were coping. Amazingly, our boys ministered to us in quiet, powerful ways too. We praise God for how they have matured!
Angela, usually strong and independent, learnt to receive care and support. She later shared that it was through these “angels” —in texts, prayers and presence—that she experienced God’s love and reassurance, especially during moments when everything felt silent and she felt alone.
In all of this, I am reminded that every person in our homes and communities plays a vital role in the body of Christ. As we intentionally love, support and honour one another daily, may we reflect God’s love and strengthen the heartbeat of Christian community.
Practical ideas for strengthening our families and building community
- Affirm every contribution and build a culture of care
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)Whether it is a child setting the table, a sibling offering a hug or a parent praying in secret, every act matters. Celebrate these efforts during meals or family devotions. Like the families Dr Brand observed, comfort and healing flow through small acts of service and thoughtful presence. This fosters a culture of care in the home.
- Model interdependence
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
~ Galatians 6:2 (NIV)Teach children that needing help is not a sign of weakness. It is okay to lean on others and ask for help. Lead by example by reaching out when you need support and expressing gratitude when others serve you. This openness keeps the family connected and united.
- Spot and nurture hidden gifts
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
~ 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)Not everyone will be the star on a stage, but a family member might be the peacemaker or the quiet listener. Help each other discover and nurture these gifts to keep your family spiritually vibrant.
- Be present in times of suffering
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.”
~ 1 Corinthians 12:26a (NIV)When one person suffers, the whole family is affected. Create safe spaces for talking, praying and supporting each other through struggles. Sometimes, a listening ear or shared tear speaks louder than words.
Sign up for the D6 Conference
The D6 Conference offers a great opportunity to equip your family for spiritual growth. Receive practical resources, learn from workshops and be inspired to strengthen your home and community. Sign up here: https://d6family.sg/
