I Corinthians 10-12

For the last two years I have been struggling with a condition that has caused chronic pain in my left shoulder. It has impacted my life in ways that I could not have predicted. Beyond the constant trips to the doctor, limited mobility, and sleepless nights, I have experienced a new level of acceptance.

I have come to accept that pain cannot stop me from hearing God’s voice or from being His instrument. I accept that part of His merciful provision for me is to use pain to prepare me for different, deeper pain. I have accepted the reality that the stronger parts of my body must compensate for those that do not function well.

As I read Paul’s words in I Corinthians 12, my heart mourns that I am often slow to apply these lessons of acceptance to my brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. My impulse to care for, forgive, and protect the weak should far exceed my levels of frustration and judgment.

When I am tempted to speak ill of another part of Christ’s body, I pray that I will remember that He has called us to put on our armor because we are at war. And because, when we speak about the parts of Christ’s body, our Enemy is listening. He does not want our church to be a hospital for the spiritually wounded and dying.

It is my prayer that our fellowship would be one in which the hurting can heal and be nurtured. Let us begin by guarding the gate of our speech.


Kathleen Tatro
April 23