CAN YOU SPOT A CHRISTIAN?
PERSONAL AFFECTION

If you have attended church for very long, it is likely you have heard this, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, is there enough evidence to convict you?” It is a cliché—but still worth considering. This is the point Paul is making in Romans 12:9-13:

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

As we noted in our last lesson, you can identify a Christian by five “spots:”

• PURE LOVE
• PERSONAL AFFECTION
• PASSIONATE SERVICE
• PATIENT HOPE
• PRACTICAL HELP
  
  We have discussed the first spot of PURE LOVE and now move to the second: PERSONAL AFFECTION. Here’s how it’s framed in Romans 12:10, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
  
  The milk of human kindness has curdled in most folks. People are caustic and not compassionate; hot-headed rather than coolly collected. Crudeness and rudeness—abrasiveness and anger—mark so many in the world today. Yet, the child of God is to exhibit kindness and affection. When people think of you, would the word, “kind” come to mind?
  
  Love compels us to be caring for others. This is called, “brotherly love” as there is nothing sensual or sexual suggested here. Men and women are to love each other with this kind of affection—as brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
  
  This kind of love means that we honor others. We see them as God sees them, as people of value, created in His image. Instead of being self-seeking, we give others preferential treatment.
  
  When I express these qualities, a portrait comes to mind. I see Jesus. This is how He lived, and served, bled and died—and if I am His follower, then His example should be evident in me.
  
  Is it?