Kiss
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:10-20
Theme: Paul urged love, peace, and unity among all the believers.
Key verses: “When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing” (v. 11). “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion” (v. 13-16). “They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss” (v. 18-20).
What I believe God said to me: Dwayne, unity among my Church is very important to me. Paul knew this, and he longed for my people to love and serve each other from genuine hearts. But more than saying they love each other or assuming they are sufficiently unified, Paul reveals specific areas and actions they need to address to demonstrate their love and unity. 1) Don’t intimidate or treat with contempt someone who is doing the Lord’s work. 2) Resolve to guard/be/do everything with love. 3) Submit to those who serve in authority. 4) Show appreciation to those who serve well. 5) Send and receive greetings to and from other believers. 6) Emphasize and encourage a sense of global Christian community. 7) Show your pure love for each other through physical and sacred expressions, like a holy kiss or a hug. In all these ways, you should seek to foster mutual love and appreciation among my saints. I have gifted you with unique ways and opportunities to promote global communication and connection among church leaders. Stay that course. Don’t grow weary of doing well in that much-needed way. I will bless your persistence to bring leaders together to be trained and encouraged.
What I said to God: Thank You, my Lord and Savior, my all in all. I know You are the vine, and I am merely a (very blessed) branch. Help me plug into You, my source for life, health, finances, faith, direction, and joy. There is no one like You, my God. Nothing and no one compares to You. Thank You for speaking to me about the vital priority of unity among Your Church. Would You please show favor on our efforts with Streams? Please renew our vision and help this platform catch fire? Only You can do that. I believe our motives are pure. We deeply desire to see the nations worship You and the Church of the Living God honor You as they love and serve each other.