“To godliness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness love”
February 25, 2021
Human’s virtue lies on their goodness in heart in doing good by others with love. Our relations amongst shall be based by love and care-some on a daily basis. It means to share our feelings in times of sorrow and happiness. When we grieve for those who are sad and be delight for those who are happy, there exists love.
Love is expressed through self-sacrificing, comforting and supporting those in times of need. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ showed His love for all human races by descending from heaven, suffering, and dying on the cross for our salvation. As His love an exemplary this, we carry the cross and lovingly submit to our Creator so that we can be called Christians. Apostle Paul said, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
As God is the Father of all human beings, we are brothers because we are His children. Being born from an earthly father and mother does not mean that we are brothers. Brotherhood has more meaning than that. In addition to being family, there is also kinship and familiarity; The Bible says that all mankind must have brotherly love; as Saint Peter said, “To godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 peter 1:7)
Even if people belong to the same tribe or nation, brotherly love exists among them when they love their God with all their heart, soul, and strength. Then, they can love other people as much as they love their family. It is said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
Without human love, Love of God is impossible; as it is said “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” brotherly love is to love one another and to live together. Thus, we must rid ourselves of selfishness, other evils and live in a way that pleases others. The prophet David said, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” (1 John 4:11, Psalm 133:1)
Brotherly love is expressed by feeding the hungry, watering the thirsty, dressing the naked, caring for the sick, visiting the captives, comforting the bereaved and comforting those in need; And the King will answer and say to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
God’s Word urges us to show brotherly love everywhere. If we love our creator, we will love those who belong to him; we must love all people, just as our God created all people for virtue. It is important to realize that we live on earth acknowledge God’s existences and realizing the reasoning of living by his rule and commandments is for our salvation. Each of us will draw closer to God as we learn to love one another and to keep our faith strong. This brotherhood is true love and unity; with the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, we will all travel together to the heavenly Jerusalem.
Most people are selfish; we care for no one but ourselves. But when we begin to live as Christians in Christ, our self-selfishness spirit disappears. We must be careful that differences in education, attitudes, behavior, abilities, nationalities, or races do not hinder brotherly love. Even if there are differences of opinion and disagreements between us, it is expected of us to be able to understand and agree on the truth, but fighting or arguing is a major obstacle to brotherly love. If we are wrong, we need to acknowledge our mistakes and apologize.
We must always live in brotherly love. As long as we live in the flesh, we need to keep our hearts free from evil, hatred, resentment, vengeance, and true love. Many people may say that we love others. But look-like and being are two different things; and we are expected to be. To have real love, we must be real. In addition, when we have sincere or genuine love for people, we also have love for Holy church and all its Ministers and Laities; Many agree that we should try to nurture this love which is important; But most fail to have loving heart.
We need to know that loving our brothers and sisters will take us from death to life, as love is the proof that we are true children of God for we shall be saved by Him “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” If our love for our Creator is strong, our love for our brothers breeds. Any virtue of brotherhood relationship will be based on faith and love. (John 13:35)
Love is the foundation of faith. But love must be a flowing stream. Love teaches compassion, humility, self-control, and patience. Let our hearts be filled with love, for it is God’s will that there be love in all His children; Let us serve our Creator with love and truly love our brother.