We are continuing to look at the Christian graces in 2 Peter 1:5-8, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Today, we look at the character qualities of brotherly kindness and love. You may remember Paul’s definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,” 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. . . . “ Notice that being kind is a fruit of love.
Brotherly kindness is translated brotherly affection (love) in some Bibles. Jesus told His disciples in John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” 1 John 3:14-16, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Folks, how much do you love your fellow believers? Are you willing to lay down your lives for them?