Loving As Authentic Christians

But as touching brotherly love ye need

not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves

are taught of God to love one another. 

and indeed ye do it toward all the

brethren which are in all Macedonia:

but we beseech you, brethren, that ye 

increase more and more; and that ye 

study to be quiet, and to do you own

business, and to work with your own

hands, as we commanded you; that ye 

may walk honestly toward them that are

without, and that ye may have lack

of nothing. 

1Thessalonians 4:9-12

     The old English word: "touching," may be understood wrongly if you do not understand the Greek word: περί, a preposition meaning, about, concerning, respecting, therefore "concerning brotherly love," "respecting brotherly love," and anyway you understand this word we as Authentic Christians must have brotherly, agape, Godlike, principled love. This is the teaching of God and found throughout His word. This principled brotherly love is not a love that gossips, speaks evil of anyone that does not deserve to have this spoken of them for they are not doing evil, but may be not someone you especially like. Humanity is such that there are people that just "rub" you the wrong way but are not "evil," or "bad," but are just not your type. Does this mean that you are to avoid them? No! They are your eternal brother and sister in Jesus Christ. We care for them and do whatever is necessary to help them. The Thessalonian Christians were doing this type of love "in all of Macedonia," this is not a city, it is a large area of land. Love was a hallmark of this church. Is it of yours, and of you? Should be! Paul reminds them to study, as I have so often done, it is to study, to read God's word, to take notes during a sermon or study. It is to be involved actively in learning and assuring of what is being taught is Scriptural. 

     The Greek is very clear, "and endeavor earnestly to be quiet and to do your own things, and to work with your own hands," and this removes gossip if you are following this advice. This advice is to "work," be busy about your own business. Why? So that you are walking becomingly towards those who are without, not sinners, not atheist, not this secular world but those who are in need, first in your congregations, and then to extend out to the secular world. To many have fallen prey to a liberal Christianity the occurred after the Second Revival, when rationalism became conjoined with Evolution, with attempts to care for the needy only to lose sight of Jesus Christ. Industrialization made for this liberalization of Christianity to seem as though this is what is Christianity. It is not! Christianity is your relationship with Jesus Christ, and then this relationship is full of God-love, a principled love that will aid you to give help in times of need to those in your congregation. If you do not start at home, in your congregation, then your brothers and sisters will be left behind in your philanthropic efforts. How then will the world actually see Christianity? 

     Are there those in your congregation that need help? Is it money they need and you have more than enough to meet your obligations? Will you give to them? Is there anyone who regularly meets with you but for a few Sundays is absent? Have you inquired as to what is happening or may be happening with them? Or, do you hear the message, say a few hellos, then leave and go about your business as though everything is OK? I hope not! If this is so, Change! You can't take it with you! This life is temporary! This is not your home you are just passing through. 

     As an Authentic Christian the greatest blessing, other than Jesus dying on the cross to bring salvation to you, is to help others, to build relationships with your brothers and sisters in your congregation. This takes effort, to be proactive, and possible you will find a friend. Love, agape love, this is our privilege to receive and to give. 

I will never forget Thy precepts;

     for with them thou hast 

quickened me. 

     I am thine, save me; for I

have sought Thy precepts.

               Psalm 119:93-94

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Richard L. Crumb