Genuineness / Expressions of Love

1 Corinthians 1:10

God wants us to be UNITED in WORD, THOUGHT and DEED.

The first need: Be genuine.

God’s Kingdom Citizens are peaceful. Isaiah 11:6-9

Isaiah 11:6-9 - This is the idealized vision of the Kingdom of Christ. All members working in harmony together toward their common goal of the glorification of God.

God’s peace between us is a perfect peace. The only question is whether we grow into it!

“Easier said than done” - NOT if we allow God to work in our lives.

In seeking peace, God’s people are earnest. 1 Peter 1:22-23

1 Peter 1:22-23 - KJV - “unfeigned”: undisguised, sincere

Peter beckons his brothers and sisters to love out of purity, NOT out of conscription.

THE REASON: We have been born again! We are not like the rest of the world.

Some families at reunions will act like they love each other. Perhaps they do, or do not. God knows our hearts.

If we have been reborn via God’s Word, we will be earnest, unfeigned, pure with each other - even if we are not blood related!

Lack of genuineness will destroy peace. 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Romans 12:10; James 2:12-13

1 Timothy 1:3-7 - There are times when brethren can get caught up by spiritual or even worldly “hobbies” that divert their attention away from what will most benefit them - honest and true love of fellow Christians.

While we are speculating on certain matters of the world, or even thinking of unanswered questions concerning Scripture, we might allow an opportunity to show love and support for a fellow saint pass by.

Not said to discourage study, but we always need to consider what the best use for our time might be.

2 Corinthians 6:1-10 - Consider the great standard of love among the saints!

Verse 6: “GENUINE LOVE”

Note that right after this, Paul levels an accusation against the Corinthian brethren that they are not being open-hearted to their fellow Christians.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

This is not a suggestion, but a command!

James 2:12-13 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

As we consider these expressions, remember that they are POINTLESS if they are not done genuinely.

Expression of approval: Laying on of Hands

Acts 6:6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

From: The Apostles.

Toward: Those chosen to attend to the daily distribution for the widows in Jerusalem.

What it did: Recognized their special place of being chosen for this work.

Acts 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

From: Peter and John.

Toward: Christians who had not received spiritual gifts.

What it did: Conferred spiritual gifts upon them. Simon the Sorcerer offered money for this same gift, and was swiftly rebuked by Peter (8:18-25).

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

From: Ananaias

Toward: Saul

What it did: Possible impartation of healing, but could be a simple show of brotherhood.

Acts 13:3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.

From: “certain prophets and teachers” (13:1).

Toward: Barnabas and Saul (13:2).

What it did: Recognized their special place of being chosen by the Holy Spirit for their missionary journey.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

From: Paul.

Toward: Disciples who were just baptized into Christ.

What it did: Conferred spiritual gifts.

1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

From: “the eldership”.

Toward: Timothy.

What it did: In context, the work of the elders allowed Timothy to study and learn more of God, and to teach and preach (4:12-16).

2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

From: Paul.

Toward: Timothy.

What it did: Possibly could have been spiritual gifts, but it could refer to the same concept of using his talents for the Kingdom.

Expression of affection: The “Holy Kiss”

A common greeting among saints in scripture. Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26

Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

A sign of deep affection and love. Matthew 26:49; Luke 7:38, 15:20; Acts 20:37

Matthew 26:49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him.

Luke 7:38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil.

Luke 15:20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Acts 20:37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him,

David and Jonathan’s bond

1 Samuel 20:41 As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so.

Expression of trust/agreement: The “Right Hand of Fellowship”

Galatians 2:9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.