November 15
Straight from the Pastor’s Heart by Dr.Hernes Abante
2 Peter 1:7 - “And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
So far, we have learned from the Apostle Peter that from faith, we must add virtue, and from virtue, add knowledge; with knowledge, add temperance, and temperance, add patience, and then add godliness, and today with godliness, let us add “brotherly kindness.” These qualities can be considered levels of spiritual maturity that we need to apply to enjoy the Christian life God has given us.
It is a blessing to get proper and ample instruction on how to use and apply these godly qualities in our lives. We are not only given a toolbox with various tools. He provides us with a toolbox, all arranged with definite instructions on how to use each and where and with what each must be used.
Other Bible versions translate “brotherly kindness” as “mutual affection” or simply “concern for others.” This quality must first be applied or seen being done to a family member or within the household of faith.
This reminds me of what Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:10 - “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Paul says explicitly, if we are to do good or have godliness, let us prove it first with our brethren.
It is commonly said that we are more careful and behave in front of strangers than with our family. It is because we want to project how good we are. But at home, we show our worst attitude. This is a test of genuine godliness. When we can love and be gracious and loving first to those we know.
What is the purpose of godliness if we only use it to show off our best behavior to please and win people? Even if we are “godly” but with selfish motives, it is not godliness. God has no respect for the person. Godliness is unconditional and never discriminates.
Everyone who is in Christ is considered a brother or a sister in Christ. We must have a godly relationship with them as members of God’s family. Again, Paul says, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
(Romans 12:10)
“Brotherly kindness” is a major theme of the New Testament. Jesus
makes it very clear when He tells His disciples, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. [35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
(John 13:34)
Are we getting the message? Jesus says when the world sees us as brethren, we consider and are kind to one another; all men shall know that we are Christ’s disciples. Wow, that is a simple but loaded statement. There is a sense of genuineness when our goodness is present to whoever is before us. It is authentic, spontaneous, and not forced. Godliness will not be a burden or a duty. It is the effect of Christ living in us.
Philippians 2:2-5 - “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
[4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
Brotherly kindness shows our obedience to the command of God. Every time we live our lives wanting to be a blessing to our brethren in Christ, we fulfill God’s desire for His family. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. [2] Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”(Galatians 6:1-2)
Let us, therefore, show brotherly kindness to the household of faith!
Our Prayer for Today
“Our gracious and loving Father, You have given us Your love so we can love others. We pray that we are willing to first apply godliness to our brethren, the Church family You have given us, to serve You together.
We realize that if we obey You, we will all be strong in sharing Your precious gospel. With Your love projected through us, all men will know You as our Lord and Savior. And because You are magnified through us, they will be drawn unto you.
Thank you for teaching us this vital truth for us to obey. We humbly pray in the Blessed Name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.”