I Thessalonians 5:26
“Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”
In America, it wouldn’t be appropriate to greet one another with a kiss. However, some cultures do so. Italy is one example. Upon seeing a friend they place a kiss on each cheek. These greetings are warm and friendly. That’s the point of the passage. We are to love one another.
The churches defining characteristic is love. What makes that a challenge is that it’s made up of all types of people. Many of these wouldn’t be ones we would choose as friends. This isn’t wrong. We have different personalities and interests that cause us to gravitate towards some. That’s the way it’s to be. However, there will be times when the Lord puts someone in our lives who isn’t our type. We are to love them. It will take patience and flexibility.
Jesus talked about this kind of love and how it’s unique to the church. “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same (Matthew 5:47)?” All loves their friends and look forward to their gatherings. The christian is to show that kind of love to all He places in our lives.
It can be a challenge to love like this. This is how the Lord works in and through us. We trust His guidance and ask for assistance in all situations. I’ve been surprised by some I’ve been led to be with. Much growth was required. Luke 18:27 says, ‘But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God”‘.
On a word of caution. Not everyone that we meet are we to grow with. Some aren’t safe or may compromise our faith. This weeding out is also a growing experience.
Another blessing of this is that we are on the receiving end of this love. We may be befriended and blessed in relationships that wouldn’t have been outside of Christ.
Lord, help us to love with enthusiasm those You bring into our lives. Thank You for the Christlike change You perform within us. Thank You for the wonderful church in which we are blessed and are a blessing.