If we are the Body Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"If We Are The Body" by Casting Crowns is a poignant and challenging song that calls the church to examine its actions and impact. Released in an official lyric video on November 6, 2019, the song directly addresses the disconnect that can exist between the biblical identity of the church as the body of Christ and its practical expression in welcoming and serving others.
The song opens by depicting scenes of individuals who are struggling or feel like outsiders entering a church setting. One picture is of a young woman seeking to blend in, suggesting she may be vulnerable or sensitive, perhaps having experienced pain, like the teasing laughter mentioned that carries farther than intended. The other scenario involves a traveler, weary and perhaps non-traditional in appearance or background, who senses judgment from others and feels unwelcome, concluding they would be better off elsewhere. These snapshots highlight the potential for church environments, despite being places of worship, to inadvertently create barriers or fail to provide a truly safe and loving space for those in need.
The heart of the song lies in its powerful, rhetorical questions that form the chorus. If the church is truly the body of Christ on earth, representing His physical presence and actions after His ascension, then the song asks why His arms are not seen reaching out, why His hands are not healing, and why His words are not being taught. It further questions why His feet are not going to where people are hurting or lost, and why His love is not clearly demonstrating that a path exists through Him. These questions serve as a direct challenge to the Christian community to actively embody the mission and character of Jesus in their interactions with the world and with each other.
The song builds to a crucial point, emphasizing that Jesus paid a profound and sacrificial price – His life – specifically so that *anyone* could come to Him. This underscores the boundless nature of His love and the universal invitation to salvation and community within the church. By stating plainly, "we are the body of Christ," the song reiterates the biblical truth found in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, which describes believers collectively as the various parts of one body united in Christ, each with a vital role to play in functioning as His hands, feet, eyes, and ears in the world.
Ultimately, "If We Are The Body" serves as both a critique and an inspirational call to action. It encourages introspection within Christian congregations, prompting reflection on whether their actions align with their identity as Christ's representatives. The song implores believers to overcome internal divisions or judgmental attitudes and instead actively live out the love, compassion, and welcoming spirit exemplified by Jesus Himself, ensuring that those seeking solace, healing, or a path to hope find it genuinely demonstrated within the community of faith. It is a reminder that being the body of Christ requires not just belief, but active, tangible expression of His nature towards a hurting world.
![If we are the Body Lyrics - Casting Crowns]()
