Jigsaw Puzzle of the Month

Fitly Joined Together and Compacted

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together [sunarmologeo] and compacted [sumbibazo] by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16

The body of Christ is like a puzzle. Each piece fits in to make the whole picture. Outside of the body the individual piece is not recognizable as a part of the whole picture. But when the individual supplies his or her part to the body it is clear what that individual piece represents to the whole picture. You may be (figuratively) "a shoulder" in the body of Christ. Outside of the body you may simply appear to be a curved line; but when you are fitted into the whole and functioning as God set you, it is clear that you are a shoulder and that your part is vital. The word compacted is the Greek word sumbibazo which means "to join, knit, or drive together." Each piece of the puzzle fits together and then is "pressed into place" by that which the individual supplies.