“Let brotherly love continue.”
Be Strong, Be Well — Thursday, September 3
We have looked at the topic of love several times over the past few months. But it seems as though we must be reminded again and again to maintain biblical love among ourselves as Christian brothers and sisters.
The scriptures paint a very close relationship that Christians ought to maintain with each other in every aspect in the practice of Christianity.
“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1).
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22).
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another" (Romans 12:10).
“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common” (Acts 4:32).
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
The next time we open our mouth to shame, blame, or criticize our brethren, stop first to think of love. There may be a time to correct or discipline a brother or sister in Christ, but they need to know we are doing so with the love of Christ in our heart. They should not have to assume we love them. They need to hear our love in the words we speak. —Chris