Diversity

This passage is one of Paul’s most famous passages, and no wonder. It’s a simple yet powerful image and a wonderful portrait of the unity in diversity of God’s people.

The hand needs the foot. The ear needs the eye. The body can only function as it should if all of its members work together in unity. Paul was writing to a specific church. But can’t the same be true of the human race as a whole?

Inequality comes when one person says of another, ‘I don’t need you, you’re useless and worthless.’ Inequality comes when one race says of another, ‘You’re vile and don’t belong here.’ Inequality comes when one human beats another because of their gender. And inequality leads to poverty.

Equality, justice and dignity comes when we realise that we need each other and to value one another if we are to live a full, worthwhile and rich life.

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Thank you God for the diversity of the human race.

Thanks for the different races, languages, religions, cultures and peoples of the world.

Help us to treasure the diversity of life and we pray that individuals, governments and communities strive for unity in diversity.

Amen.

The reflections this week are by Cynan Llwyd, Christian Aid Head of Wales (maternity cover) at the time of writing.