25 “that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”
10:25
that there should be no schism in the body,
The word “schism” is dissension (1:10). The idea of “schism” is factions. Ancient Greek used “schism” for a plow that cuts the ground and makes furrows across the plains. This is what schism does to the church. It leaves scars. This was a major problem in Corinth, for Paul wrote the first four chapters to confront this issue.
but that the members should have the same care for one another.
The word “that” indicates purpose (purpose clause) – it is the church’s purpose to function in unity. The word “but” is a strong contrast in Greek, indicating that, in contrast to dissension, the church should “care for” one another. Slighting others causes the church to suffer. The words “care for” are the polar opposite to “schism.” “Care for” carries the idea of a member in a commonwealth soliciting the wellbeing of others.
10:26
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
If one suffers, we all suffer. The shame of one is the shame of all. If someone honors one of us, we are all honored.
Ro 12:15, Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
PRINCIPLE:
Cooperating of gifts makes for the proper function of the church.
APPLICATION:
The church cannot afford for any member to go on a sit-down strike. If the index finger decides not to co-operate with the rest of the hand, there will be problems. If the index finger gets into its head that his only purpose is pointing, then when he is called upon to type, he will not function properly if his finger is in a pointing position. If someone wants to fistfight, then he will have a problem. It will be difficult to ward off a blow. By not cooperating with the hand, the finger becomes a problem to the full function of the hand.
