Happy New Year 2026

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (Romans 12:4-5)

Paul, who wrote about half of the books of the Bible’s New Testament, uses the human body as an example of unity. Each part of the body has its own specialized function. The eyes cannot do the job of the feet, and the hands cannot do the job of the nose. However, we need each part to function well and together.

We often think that certain parts of the body are more important than others. Intellectuals probably place the highest value on the brain, while athletes might prize the muscles, and artists might prize the hands. When we have an injury, though, we quickly realize just how important even the small parts are! One of our teachers broke a toe last week, and suddenly the whole focus shifted to that toe, and she could tell just how much it impacts the rest of the body and even her life!

Paul then uses the analogy of the body to describe the church community. Each person has his or her own role to play. Some are teachers, some are apostles, some are encouragers, some are leaders, and so on. In the biblical example, Jesus holds the whole body together.

While we at Dalat are not a church, we still function as a community. We have parents, teachers, staff, and students, each with different roles to play. We come from many different backgrounds and bring diverse talents and skills. When we all come together for a common purpose, we can achieve greater things than we can alone.

At the end of the verse, Paul says, “we all belong to each other.” When we belong to each other, we take responsibility for the welfare of each one. We show love and respect, honor and value, to each person. We appreciate and protect one another. As we begin this second semester, may we come together as one body. Bersama-sama!