"For this very reason, add to your faith....brotherly kindness..."
From the scripture passage of 2 Peter 1:5-9
Brotherly kindness comes from the Greek word Philadelpia. It is used in the New Testament to describe the love Christian brothers and sisters in Christ have (or should have) for each other.
God commands us to love one another in I John 4:7. "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." God never ever says it is okay not to love someone. In fact, this verse tells us that if we love then we "know" God, so the opposite would mean if we do not love, then we "do not know" God.
Christians make up the church, which is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). Christ is the head of the church. In fact, He died for the church. "And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way," Ephesians 1:22-23. Many in the world say "yes" to Jesus and God, but "no" to the church. But throughout the New Testament, the importance of the church is emphasized.
The spiritual ingredient of brotherly love is a much-needed ingredient in the Lord's church. So, how do you get more of this ingredient?
1. Reflect on love and sacrifice of Jesus and what that means to you and I personally.
2. Spend time with your Christian family - the church.
3. Pray for your Christian family - your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Naturally some people are easier to love than others. In fact, think about this: Someone may be having a hard time loving you! So, pray that you may love others with brotherly love, but also pray for yourself....that you will be easier to love, as well. We must love others in a way that we care about their soul and want to teach them about Jesus. We should want everyone to go to Heaven, just as God does.
Ask yourself these questions:
Are you a part of a church family?
Do you love your church family - your Christian brothers and sisters?
If not, why not?
If Christ died for and is the head of the church - shouldn't it be a part of your life and important to you, as well?
Is brotherly kindness "increasing in measure" in your life (2 Peter 1:8) ?
1 comment:
Amen! That post says it all! Thank you.
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