THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The other day, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen since high school. He and I were talking in the hospital parking lot, when a fellow pastor came by and spoke to me. The fellow pastor called me brother, and I called him brother. We didn't think anything about that - it's just normal mannerism with us.
When the fellow pastor left, my old high school friend looked at me and said, "I didn't know you had a brother."
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1 John 4:20
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
KJV
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Peter tells us (1Peter 2:17) that we are to "Love the brotherhood."
I have no physical brother, but I do have three physical sisters. We are born of the same parents. Even though we each look quite different, all four of us have basically the same genetical makeup. And whether it be good or bad, we all have about the same temperament and attitude. That is partly due to the genetical factor, and partly due to the fact that we were raised in the same environmental conditions.
Now the same applies to Christians. We are brothers and sisters by the blood and Spirit of Christ. And we are uniquely bonded together by our common ascent to God's Word as our guide for life. Therefore, since our "born again" experience, we have been raised in generally the same environmental conditions.
And all of us "brothers and sisters" TOGETHER make up the "body of Christ" on this earth today. Even though we are uniquely different by God's design, we are must work together to fulfill God's purposes.
Therefore, if brothers and sisters in Christ are in opposition to one another, the "body of Christ" cannot operate fully as a family. God's work on earth is hindered by opposition in the "family of Christ."
Jesus taught that God doesn't want our gifts if we are at odds with our brother (Matthew 5:23). He also taught that we are to forgive our brother so that God will forgive our sins (Mark 11:25).
Love is not simply feelings. Love is a commitment to unity.
Are you "at odds" with a brother in Christ today? Get it settled! Then your relationship with God will be more meaningful.
Love ya,
Bruce
mcge3582@bellsouth.net
http://www.linktojesus.org
Let heavenly Sonshine brighten your spiritual life today.