What Brothers Can Do (2)
Brothers are truly wonderful. In 1 Peter 3:8, we find this passage dealing with an inward unity in spiritual things which make schisms unthinkable. Brothers are full of sympathy and share their feelings to unite alike in sorrow and joy. For, this is what it means to have love as brethren or brotherly love. And, it is indeed glory to God when brothers have compassion for one another, cherishing one another and honoring each other, being humble minded.
Brothers can make each other better.
Now, if we have this attitude of brotherly love one for another, we would no longer be afraid to speak to one another. It’s nice to be able to sit and write or speak to brethren from different parts of the world and carry on a conversation without fear of persecution, without fear of being labeled as something your not. In our brotherhood, there are those who by their jealousy, hatred and ignorance, try to stamp the love out of brethren. They attempt to kill them spiritually. And, when the world sees the church filled with fighting, lies, deceit and pure viciousness, is it any wonder why we are not growing as we should? And also, could it be that when there is no brotherly love, that there is a lack of respect for God’s authority?
We should not be afraid to speak or to engage with one another. We should not be seeking after ourselves, but giving honor to others, leading them and preferring the other. Sometime, try to outdo in showing respect and esteeming others more highly than yourself and see what brothers can do for each other (Romans 12:10). It’s amazing! This is why people get so energized when they go to Gospel meeting or lectureships. And, if we as brothers, say something that it not right, let’s sit down. Too many preachers and elders, as well as members of the body are unwilling to admit that we all make mistakes. What is important is that we have those with brotherly love, like our brother Aqila and our sister Priscilla who, with patience and love, makes the way more perfectly.
O, there’s so much work to be done. But, that is sometimes a great challenge when there is a brother or a group of brethren with their feet on your neck. You know, to love one another is to know that when a Christians is born out of sin and into light, whose heart is filled with the love of God, that we cannot help but to love others and to express it with our actions without hypocrisy. O sure, we can still contend for the faith. We can still stand against pseudo brothers whose life is contrary to that of a Christian (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4) That is understandable. However, much of what is fought about today has little to do with Scriptures. When we become jealous over one another, we become hurt which splits the church and shrinks its fellowship and faithfulness to it.
Brothers, do not forget that we are to be as close “as thine own soul” (Deuteronomy 13:6). Do not allow to have Joseph’s brothers in the midst of brotherly love (Romans 12:10). If we are suppose to spend eternity together, we need to learn to love our family while on earth! Consider what Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Peter so rightly said, “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17). When a brother knows that you love him and that he loves you, there is much that can be done.