“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” Paul ends the book of Romans by reminding the brethren to salute or greet each other with a “holy” kiss. This was widely practiced at this time, and expressed mutual love and respect for one another. Let this verse be a reminder to us that love for the brethren is vital. It needs to be an abiding thing. We all face hardships, but our brethren’s love can help us through those times and anticipate better days. How are we doing at encouraging our brethren? In times of controversy, or peace, let us make sure we are showing love for our brethren (Jn. 13:34-35).

– Jarrod Jacobs

“Loving God”

Jarrod Jacobs 

            When asked what God’s greatest commandment was, Jesus said, “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment” (Mk. 12:29-30). In essence, Christ was saying that we need to love God with our entire being. It is not enough to love God “sometimes” or “most of the time.” Our love to God needs to be shown to its fullest extent at all times.

            Why should this be? The command of Mark 12:29-30 is my response to God’s love. God loved us to the infinite degree by sending Jesus Christ into the world (Jn. 3:16). God loved us and showed it before we ever showed our love for Him (I Jn. 4:8-10).

            Thus, the question is not, “Does God love us?” The question is, “Do we love God?” Are we showing it? How do we show our love to the God of Heaven? We show it by keeping God’s commands (Jn. 14:15, 23, 15:14; I Jn. 5:3). Do you love God? Are you keeping His commandments? Start today! Love God with all your being and do what He says, and reap the benefits!