Bible Thoughts May 28, 2000
"Greet one another with a holy kiss"(Romans 16:16).
The friendliest place on Earth should be a gathering of the saints of God. It is an opportunity to speak to otherChristians, to inquire of their welfare, to share one's thoughts and ideas, and to enjoy the association of the greatest people in this world. Since children of God are in one family, it is only appropriate that we should treasure the occasions when we can be together.
The "one another" of Romans 16:16 covers everybody. While it may be impossible to "greet" every person at an assembly, every effort should be put forth to speak to as many of those who are Christians as possible. Being friendly with other saints will open up avenues that bring Christians closer to one another.
Do not forget the visitors. Jesus was interested in all and was said to be a "friend of publicans and sinners"(Matthew 11:19). His truth was to be shared with all of those whom he met. So it is today. Being friendly to visitors at the services may open an opportunity to teach someone the gospel. The warmth that is shown to unbelievers may be the spark that will enable them to be taught the gospel.
Cornelius was concerned about his friends. He showed his interest by having them to gather with him to learn of the gospel(Acts 10:24). The cultivation of friendships with those who are not disciples will eventually be rewarded with the opportunity to teach them the gospel, both by example and by word.
"For I have no man likeminded, who will care truly for your state"(Philippians 2:20).
The benefit of close association with other brethren is evident in this passage. Timothy had been with Paul. He had experienced the joys as well as the disappointments. What was apparent was that Paul knew that he would have an interest in the brethren; Timothy would "care" about other Christians.
"...the members should have the same care one for another"(I Corinthians 12:25).
The church at Corinth had some problems. They lacked an understanding of the nature of the body of Christ. Each part of the body had a function. God "tempered" the body together so that harmony would exist. Each would feel for the other. Example: "Whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it"(I Corinthians 12:26). Each several member was a part and would contribute to the cause of the Lord. And...each member needed all the other members. So it is in each congregation of the Lord.
The apostle, under arrest and on his way to Rome, was allowed to have "leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself"(Acts 27:3). Paul needed such support; Christians of today need the same kind of support from fellow disciples. Paul understood, by their actions and attitudes, these friends were interested in him and cared for him. The same interest and the same type of care is appropriate for Christians toward all other Christians in our day. Please remember this is not to be confined to an elite group, but should be demonstrated to every one of those who serve the God of heaven.
Some members are not as strong as others. They need an extra push, a little more encouragement, and some undivided attention. Is this not true of the physical body? And, is it not true of the spiritual body? Showing interest in those who are not as strong in the faith can be an inspiration to them. Such an interest can mean the difference between one drifting or one being faithful to the Lord. No person likes to be someplace where he/she feels neglected. What if you attended services someplace and no one spoke to you? How would you feel?(On one occasion, while traveling, this writer and his family stopped at a large congregation. No one came to greet us and we hesitated to go introducing ourselves to all the people since we were strangers. However, just before the start of the assembly, one person introduced himself. I commented on the fact that no one had welcomed us and the reply was, "Most of our friendly members are not here today." The lesson: Every member should be friendly!)
"...there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother"(Proverbs 18:24).
The greatest friends, outside of the Godhead, are those who are Christians. Such "friends" are closer than a physical relative(if the relatives are not Christians). Disciples have the understanding of what it means to be a spiritual being; one who follows the Lord and lives by his commandments. They will stand with you in the truth; they will stand with you in adversity; they will stand with you when all seems hopeless; they are on the Lord's side and so are you! The same hope is shared; the same ambitions can be realized. Never fail to cultivate friends in your family and your associates in the various walks of life but always remember the best friends are those who walk with the Lord.
Our association with one another, whether in the assembly or in other places, will strengthen each of us, encourage those with whom we have contact, and have a positive result in our living the life of a Christian. Be friendly!