The Same, But Different

The Same, but Different

Our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.

It’s good to have friends who have strengths where we have weaknesses, who can step in to help us out and fill in for our shortcomings. Friends who don’t shame or embarrass us but simply smile and do what we cannot. That is my friend Staci. She loves to work with her hands and can create and sew things that I just cannot. She isn’t afraid to suggest a project and then carry the bulk of the load to implement it, while laughing good-naturedly at my ineptness with a sewing machine or needle and thread.

But instead of becoming insecure, I embrace her strengths, letting her know how much I appreciate her. She, in turn, is quick to remind me of the ways that I help her out too. We each bring to our friendship a mutual support for one another, and it is beautiful to behold.

It is unrealistic to think that we can do everything in life without any help. Understanding that God gave us friends to fill in our gaps is one of the best blessings we can receive in life. We need one another, and recognizing not only my strengths but also my weaknesses and allowing others to help me in areas where I lack skills makes my relationships that much richer and deeper.

We don’t need to pretend to have it all, and we shouldn’t. God created us each to be unique. We are all individual parts that make up one body, the body of Christ. And because of this, we are free to walk in our strengths, while also appreciating and utilizing the strengths of those around us. Don’t be afraid to let your friends help you; that is the way that God designed his body to function.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Thank a friend who has a skill or strength in an area where you are weak.