Trouble With Strangers pt 2 -Guide
Summary / Introduction
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12–26
The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church. In the Roman world, this metaphor reinforced hierarchy—some parts were “more important” than others. Paul flips this: every member is indispensable, and the “weaker” members are given special honor.
The church, Bonhoeffer reminds us, is “Christ existing as community.” We represent Christ to one another (through forgiveness, prayer, burden-bearing) and to the world (as Yoder said, the church is the “hermeneutic of the gospel”).
We are not called to unhealthy codependence (“I can’t be okay unless you are okay”) or counterdependence (“I don’t need anyone”), but to godly interdependence: “I need you, and you need me.”
Questions for Reflection
On Scripture & Teaching
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–14. What strikes you about Paul’s description of the body of Christ?
In verses 21–23, Paul says the weaker parts are “indispensable.” What do you think he means? How does this challenge the way we often view community?
Bonhoeffer wrote: “The church is Christ existing as community.” What does this say about the importance of belonging together?
On Community Life
What’s the difference between when the church genuinely harms us versus when it simply disappoints us? Why is it important to distinguish those?
Where do you find it hardest to say “I need you” to others in the church?
Application
Who in your life right now might need you to bear a burden, offer prayer, or speak Christ’s presence to them?
Is there someone in your community you find challenging to relate to? What might it look like to see them as “indispensable” to your spiritual growth?
Which practice of interdependence could you try this week—serving, praying specifically for someone, forgiving, or showing up for another’s need?
Closing Prayer
Pray this aloud together, with one voice:
Lord Jesus,
You have made us one body by your Spirit.
We confess the times we say, “I don’t need you,”
or turn away from those you call indispensable.
Teach us to bear one another’s burdens,
to honor the parts that feel weakest,
and to practice the love that makes your presence real.
Send us out as your body in the world—
interdependent, reconciled, and whole.
Amen.
