When I was in high school, I was in the marching band. One of the first things I learned when I joined the band was that unity, despite differences, is what makes a marching band, a marching band. The sounds of different instruments, all playing varied parts of the music, became as one because of the tempo, or the beat, of the music. The tempo directed us to march together in perfect time and to be able to create formations that reflected the music being played. This unity of different musical instruments playing together reflects the same unity within the body of Christ for those who believe in Him.
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul writes that the body of Christ, much like our own physical bodies—or even that of a marching band—is a body made up of numerous parts, all combined to create the whole, all unified by the Spirit. In the eyes of the Lord, we are equals. Paul expounds upon this point further in verses 21-27 when he tells the Corinthian church that no one part of the body can reject another because every single part plays an important role in the overall function of the body. Because of this reality, Paul says that all the parts of the body of Christ, whether the eye, hand, or foot, must have concern for one another. In the eyes of the Lord, we are all of equal and important value.
So then, what should we learn from this scripture? First, the body of Christ, though diverse, is unified. As a result, we are called to care and respect all our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must understand that the body of Christ is made up of many people with different backgrounds, interests, ethnicities, and passions, which may differ from our own. Second, with all this diversity, we may be tempted to judge those who are different from us. However, if we follow what scripture commands, we must fight against this temptation and instead treat all of our brothers and sisters with love, care, and kindness. Without concern for those in the body who are different from ourselves, we create division instead of unity. We need to be present for our brothers and sisters in Christ, standing in empathy with them in times of sorrow, joy, and uncertainty. Just as our foot doesn't leave us when we stub our toe, so too should we not abandon our brothers and sisters when they are in pain.