21. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the foot, “I don’t need you!”
22. No, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are actually very important.
23. And the parts that we think are not worth very much are the parts we give the most care to. And we give special care to the parts of the body that we don’t want to show.
24. The more beautiful parts don’t need this special care. But God put the body together and gave more honor to the parts that need it.
25. God did this so that our body would not be divided. God wanted the different parts to care the same for each other.
26. If one part of the body suffers, then all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part is honored, then all the other parts share its honor.
27. All of you together are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of that body.
28. And in the church God has given a place first to apostles, second to prophets, and third to teachers. Then God has given a place to those who do miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who can help others, those who are able to lead, and those who can speak in different kinds of languages.
29. Not all are apostles. Not all are prophets. Not all are teachers. Not all do miracles.
30. Not all have gifts of healing. Not all speak in different kinds of languages. Not all interpret those languages.
31. Continue to give your attention to the spiritual gifts you consider to be the greatest. But now I want to point out a way of life that is even greater.