Kinship. I just got to thinking about it. I’m not sure why. It’s not a word you hear used a lot anymore. You used to. Someone would say, “I know your kinfolks!” Or “Are you all kin?”
The word “kin” comes from a common Teutonic word. Kin has to do with family—those who are related and share a common bloodline, a common ancestor. Kinship carries the idea of a relationship that is shared. I have aunts and uncles and cousins in which there is a common bond. A relationship. An affinity.
Spiritually speaking Christians enjoy a kinship in Christ. In the Lord’s church, we are kin to one another. We are family. Kinfolks. We are related by blood. The blood of Jesus. We all been bought with His blood. Washed in it. Redeemed by it. Born again to His family through it. That makes us brothers and sisters.
The early Christians looked at their relationship like family members. They were brothers and sisters. In Acts 2:42-47, we see them eating together from house to house, sharing together and helping each other in time of need. It is obvious they embraced their new relationship in the Lord and really cared for each other. Kinship.
In Galatians 6:10 we are called “the family of believers.” In I Timothy 3:15 Paul refers to the church as “the family of God..” And in Ephesians 2:19 Paul affirms that “you are members of God’s very own family.” Kinship.
It is interesting that the word “kin” is akin to ““kind.” They share a common derivation. We expect our kinfolks to be kind to us. The Bible teaches that “love is kind” (1 Cor 13:4). As parents, we teach our children to be nice to each other. If they’re not, we say, “Is that any way to treat your little sister? Be nice!” Why? Because of the kinship that exists.
We should think of our spiritual kinsman in the same way. Our association is not based on rules and regulations, but relationship. Kinship. This bond naturally issues itself in kindness. Paul exhorted, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32)
As kin who are kind, we’re not interested in one-upmanship, petty, political gamesmanship, or prideful posturing. We’re kin. We treat each as such. With kindness. Sympathy. Compassion. Gentleness. Benevolence. Thoughtfulness. Helpfulness. Humanity.
Kin are kind. Never forget it.
Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Bro. Weliever this is so true but often forgotten. WE need to have more love for one another as bro. and sis. in Christ. Building strong, trusting relationships encouraging each other a long the way. My mother would often say to us as children ” If you can’t love each other here on earth how do you think you are going to get to heaven”. In my mind I would follow with, ok but I don’t have to like you LOL. Just a little humor 😉
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Thank you Brother Ken!! I enjoy your articles! I often remind my brothers & sisters in Christ that we need to remember that our spouses & our children are our brothers & sisters in Christ also. I sometimes hear married Christians treat one another with disrespect & that makes me sad. I love my brothers & sisters in Christ & my prayer is that we each work hard to be the kind of family that those in need would turn to. That we constantly check our attitudes toward the weaknesses of others & not destroy but build up each other. With kind words & a honest loving heart we can accomplish so much. God has given us the greatest book on relationships ever written!! We just need to use it more!!
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Thanks Deb! I appreciate you reading my blog and taking the time to comment. Good points you make!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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I constantly spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s content everyday along with a
cup of coffee.
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Well, thank you so much, Ara! I am honored that you enjoy reading my blog on a daily basis. Interesting….I often write it drinking a cup of coffee! So, ThePreachersWord and coffee must go well together!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Reblogged this on ThePreachersWord and commented:
While on our annual anniversary blogging break, we’re reblogging past posts. This one is from 9 years ago on this date. Its message is an excellent reminder about our relationship in Christ and how we’re supposed to treat one another.
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