Living According To Heaven Part 12
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Are we a loving family though? Indeed it is this that makes the difference. If we cannot love one another, then we should not be a church and cannot function as one. The world will know that we are truly disciples if we have love one for another – John13:35.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Romans 12:9-13
Jesus said “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.” A loving family must show affection to each other. Christians should not be cold and distant with each other. A loving family honours one another above themselves. A loving family shares with each other. If anyone sees a brother in need but does not share with them, they cannot truly love God. Before you help others, you must first help your immediate family. A loving family is also a help to others who do not seem to want help (2 Thessalonians 3:11-13).
Sometimes we have to move outside of ourselves in order to function how God wants us to function. We may not like embracing during church or being around others, but we can ask God for the anointing to do so. Having people over is also an act that God requires of us. This is hospitality. Let each other not only look out for his own interests, but for those of others (Philippians 2:1-4). If the community of saints can be like minded, then the church will break out in God’s anointing. During the day of Pentecost, the saints all spoke in tongues and understood one another (Acts 2:1-2). They were in harmony. The people built the Tower of Babel because they wanted to be greater than God and they started to become one, but it was not of God. This illustration just shows what we could become if we unify.
A loving family is not divided. In addition, its members also look out for each other. Bear with one another and even if you have grievances one against the other, forgive each other (Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32). If Christ forgave you, there is no one than you should be unforgiving towards. However, instead of loving one another, we refuse to forgive to each other.
“Greet each other with a holy kiss.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:26. Indeed, we show affection as a family, even if it is not a part of our national culture.
32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:32-33
