What practical steps can we take to honor "less presentable" members in church? Setting the Scene “...and the parts of the body that we think are less honorable, we treat with special honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty.” (1 Corinthians 12:23) Paul pictures the church as Christ’s body. No organ is optional, and none can be discarded. “Less presentable” here refers to believers who, by human standards, may seem weak, awkward, unnoticed, or socially marginalized. God says they deserve “special honor,” not mere tolerance. Why This Matters • Scripture assumes literal unity: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) • Neglecting any member dishonors the Lord who arranged the body “as He desired.” (1 Corinthians 12:18) • Favoritism contradicts the gospel: see James 2:1-4, where partiality is labeled sin. Practical Ways to Show Special Honor 1. Personal Recognition • Learn and use names—Proverbs 18:21 reminds us words carry life. • Regularly greet, sit with, or visit those who are overlooked. 2. Intentional Listening • “Everyone should be quick to listen.” (James 1:19) • Give undivided attention; resist glancing at phones or scanning the room. 3. Assign Meaningful Roles • Romans 12:6-8 urges every gift into service. Invite the shy teen to run slides, the elderly saint to lead intercessory prayer, the struggling single mom to join the welcome team. • Provide coaching so tasks succeed; honor grows when potential is realized, not when people are set up to fail. 4. Celebrate Hidden Service • Publicly thank nursery workers, janitors, and sound techs—those behind-the-scenes parts. • Write notes, spotlight them in newsletters, or share testimonies on a Sunday. 5. Share Meals and Resources • Luke 14:13-14—invite the poor, crippled, lame, blind. • Schedule potlucks where families mix, cover costs for those lacking means, organize ride-shares. 6. Protect Dignity • Provide modest clothing or hygiene items discreetly (1 Corinthians 12:23 “special modesty”). • Offer confidential benevolence funds; never parade charity. 7. Cultivate Empathy in the Congregation • Teach Philippians 2:3-4—“in humility value others above yourselves.” • Use testimonies that highlight God’s work in members who overcame addiction, disability, or poverty, fostering understanding rather than pity. 8. Pray With, Not Just About • Galatians 6:2—“Carry one another’s burdens.” Pair mature believers with those needing support, forming prayer partners, not hierarchies. 9. Address Barriers Quickly • Install wheelchair ramps, large-print hymnals, hearing-assist devices. Practical adjustments declare, “You belong.” 10. Rejoice Publicly in Every Victory • When a recovering addict celebrates six months of sobriety, cheer as loudly as for a missionary commissioning. Romans 12:15 calls us to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” Guarding Our Hearts Against Partiality • Remember Christ’s example: He touched lepers (Mark 1:40-45), welcomed children (Mark 10:13-16), and ate with sinners (Luke 15:2). • “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) Looking Ahead A church that honors its “less presentable” members showcases the gospel’s power. By taking these concrete steps, we echo the Creator’s design, affirm every believer’s worth, and display to a watching world the beauty of Christ’s unified body. |
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