Now that you’ve cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. (1 Peter 1:22 THE MESSAGE)

Have you ever met someone who was nice to you because they wanted something in return? How did you feel when you realized the truth?

A girl entered a local pageant hoping to win a scholarship to college. When she met the group of contestants for the first time, one pulled her aside and gave her a bag of cool stuff. Another contestant gave her a warm hug and pumped her for information about her favorite music, the guy she was talking to, and more.

All day long these two girls pulled at her like they were in a game of tug and war. In the beginning she was flattered—until she realized that the gifts and attention had nothing to do with friendship. The two girls were in a heated race for the title of Miss Congeniality. They were working the room to win votes.

Counterfeit niceness leaves a bad taste in anyone’s mouth, but it’s especially bitter when compared to the image that Christ paints of brotherly (and sisterly) love. 1 Peter 1:22 uses the Greek word philadelphia (yes, that’s why they call it the city of brotherly love). This word paints a picture of brotherly love as a strong attachment, caring for each other as if they were your own body. It’s showing kindness to people even if you receive nothing in return.

This kind of niceness might not win you the title of Miss Congeniality, but at least you’ll be the real deal, and that’s a prize worth pursuing.