What practical steps foster genuine fellowship as seen in 2 Corinthians 13:12? The Call to Holy Greeting “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (2 Corinthians 13:12) What the verse teaches • A deliberate, warm, face-to-face welcome • Physical expression that is pure (“holy”) and affectionate (“kiss”) • A shared culture of family-like closeness in Christ (cf. Romans 16:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14) Practical Steps Toward Genuine Fellowship • Cultivate intentional greetings – Look people in the eye, smile, call them by name – Offer an appropriate touch (handshake, hug) that conveys dignity and warmth • Prioritize presence – Meet regularly (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Arrive early, linger afterward; relationships thrive in the margins • Share life at close range – Open homes for meals (Acts 2:46) – Celebrate joys, carry burdens (Galatians 6:2) • Maintain purity and respect – Treat “younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” (1 Timothy 5:2) – Keep motives transparent; affection must remain holy • Pursue quick reconciliation – Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13) – Initiate peace the moment offense arises (Matthew 5:23-24) • Speak life-giving words – Encourage daily (Hebrews 3:13) – Build up, never tear down (Ephesians 4:29) • Serve one another practically – Share skills, time, and resources (1 Peter 4:10) – Look for unspoken needs and quietly meet them • Keep Christ central – Remind each other of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-3) – Pray together, anchoring fellowship in His presence (Matthew 18:20) Guarding Holiness While Showing Affection • Let Scripture set boundaries: love “from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22) • Honor marital vows and personal space • Seek accountability; walk in the light (1 John 1:7) Everyday Settings to Practice These Steps • Sunday gatherings • Small-group studies • Work breaks with believing coworkers • Shared meals after school events or sports • Hospital visits and home-repair projects • Text threads that exchange Scripture and encouragement Expected Fruit of Obedient Fellowship • Visible love that proves discipleship (John 13:34-35) • Joyful unity (Psalm 133:1) • A credible witness to outsiders (Acts 2:47) • Hearts strengthened until Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13) |
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