One Body, One Mission

In September of 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Market Garden—an ambitious plan to end World War II by Christmas. Paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines to seize bridges while tanks raced to meet them. But the mission collapsed when one bridge was lost, tanks were delayed, and communication failed. Each part fought bravely, but separately. The mission demanded unity—and when they lost it, the plan unraveled.

That lesson still speaks to us as the church today. Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that faithfulness to Christ is never a solo project. Faithful churches cling to Christ and care for one another. So what does that look like for us?

1. Practice Generous Unity
Paul called the Corinthians to give toward the needs of believers in Jerusalem. It wasn’t charity—it was solidarity. Their giving was a declaration: “We are one body in Christ.” In the same way, our generosity reveals where our hearts cling. Every time you give, you’re not just funding a budget—you’re fueling gospel work and caring for family in Christ.

2. Persevere in Mission
Paul saw “a wide door for effective work” and “many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:9). Opportunity and opposition are companions, not contradictions. Today, we may feel opposition—whether in culture, in grief, or in spiritual warfare—but the presence of resistance reminds us the mission matters. Don’t shrink back. Step forward together, eyes fixed on Christ.

3. Choose to Honor
The Corinthians divided over personalities. Paul said, stop it. Don’t exalt one servant and despise another. Instead, honor those who labor in Christ. Encourage our younger leaders. Support our missionaries. Celebrate unseen acts of service in our church family. Rivalry weakens the church, but honor strengthens it.

4. Live from Shared Hope
Paul closed with “Our Lord, come!” (Maranatha). Programs, leaders, and strategies will come and go—but our shared hope in Christ’s return endures. That hope shapes how we love, serve, and endure today. We don’t live only for this week’s struggles; we live in light of that future day when Christ returns and every faithful church will stand together.

So, church, let’s remember: unity makes the mission. Let’s cling to Christ with everything we’ve got. Let’s care for one another with humility and joy. And let’s do it with our eyes fixed on the day when He comes again.