In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection… – 2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT)
The King James’ versions of the Bible refers to this quality as brotherly kindness. While other versions refer to it as brotherly affection, warm friendliness, mutual affection, Christian affection.
This quality is primarily for the body of Christ, urging us all to grow in mutual affection. By putting our differences aside and learning to put others first but this doesn’t mean we’ll naturally like all brethren.
We are all different and God has uniquely created us so. These differences are the source of conflict and disagreement, but the Bible says: “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossian 3:13 (NKJV); “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)
Brotherly kindness is closely linked with godliness. 1 John 4:20 (NLT) says, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?”
Godliness is demonstrated in brotherly kindness, “If anyone claims, ‘I am living in the light,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.” 1 John 2:9-10 (NLT)
Do you have to like someone or have a relationship with someone before you show or express kindness and affection to them?
The world’s wisdom would suggest that you do have to like someone or have some sort of relationship with them before you show affection or kindness to them. But godly wisdom is completely opposite.
Jesus, our great role model, expressed kindness and affection to all He came in contact with, even the most despised and ostracised people of His day. People such as tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, lepers, rich, poor etc. Jesus loved them, drew them close to Himself, made them feel loved and brought the best out of them.
Love for the brethren is effectively demonstrated when believers belong to a small group in their church. Small groups are places to build and develop friendships and close relationships. It’s a place to freely express love, kindness, and affection to brethren.
We belong to and are part of a Church family that is fantastic in expressing love for the brethren and showing kindness to non-believers. Examples of this love and kindness is expressed in areas such as preparing meals for families with new babies, struggling with sickness or sometimes just overwhelmed with work. Other areas include financial assistance, helping people move homes, and undertaking minor property redecoration projects.
As believers, we are expected to express kindness and affection to both believers and non-believers. “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good…whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT)
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 