Dash of Thought November 2025

Mutually dependent and in need of each other
The image of the body with many members vividly describes what the church is: a living organism with diverse, very different parts that are mutually dependent and in need of each other: "Its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (1 Corinthians 12:25-26)
We are mutually dependent and in need of each other, as individuals, but also as parts of the church, for example in our Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe. God has gifted us in many ways with very different people, experiences, opportunities... A great wealth! At the same time, there are also needs. Also very different, depending on the social, political and economic environment, depending on the history of our local churches, districts and annual conferences. When giving and taking, sharing and receiving succeed, we enrich each other and help to meet our different needs. We speak and act in mutual relationships in a way that is good for each other and beneficial to their lives. We support each other in what is building up the church. This is a good, healthy dependence on partners at eye level. This is church, a living together and for each other, which lives solely by God's grace and from their gifts.
However, we are also aware of unhealthy dependencies. For example, when some determine others on an economic or emotional level and thus exercise power. When some people do not take their own initiative and responsibility for fulfilling their own needs but instead expect one-sided things from others. When not many partners contribute, but only so few that the failure of one of these partners is existentially threatening. When structures and bureaucratic requirements hinder cooperation at eye level. Such dependencies are not good and do not build up the church. We are called upon to look at each other carefully and honestly and to act where necessary.
"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27) You are the body of Christ. The church, we who live with and for one another, already are, through Jesus Christ. In our togetherness, in our successes and failures, Christ is always present and can be experienced anew. This is reason to praise God and to do everything that is possible for us through his grace to shape our togetherness in such a way that it promotes life, builds up the church and leaves traces of blessing far beyond the church.
 
Bishop Stefan Zürcher
 
Photo: Pixabay