1 Corinthians 12:21-31

1 Corinthians 12:21-31 a. § 41. THE MUTUAL DEPENDENCE OF THE BODY'S MEMBERS. Multiformity, it has been shown, is of the essence of organic life. But the variously endowed members, being needful to the body, are consequently necessary to each other those that seem “weaker” sometimes the more so (1 Corinthians 12:21 f.), while the less honoured have a dignity of their own; thus all the members cherish mutual respect and fellow-feeling (1 Corinthians 12:23-26). This holds good of the Church, with its numerous grades of personal calling and endowment (1 Corinthians 12:27 f.). No one charism belongs to all Christians (1 Corinthians 12:29 f.). There is choice and purpose in God's distributive appointments, which leave, moreover, room for man's personal effort. We should desire the best of His gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31).