Putting the Brother In Brotherly Love

 

I’m Duane Matz and welcome to Today’s Living Word.

 

Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.

Again, remember, this letter was written to those converted Jews who were considering ditching their faith in Christ because of the persecution they were facing.

 

Chapter 13 begins by reminding us that remaining in Christ does not negate our duties as His followers! We are encouraged to “do” not just “say.” These instructions apply for all times to the church of Jesus Christ

 

Though persecution, trial, and temptation, surround us on every side, let us continue expressing love to our brothers and sisters in Christ. “Let brotherly love continue!”.

 

Brotherly love is a fraternal love, expressed, shown, or shared with those of similar beliefs.  Don’t let any outside circumstances interrupt the mutual love expressed in tangible care for each other found in the Body of Chrost.

 

One scripture that comes to mind here is Ga 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

 

Of course we should be ready to do good to all, but be especially good to those in the household of faith as opportunities arise. This was an earmark of the early church, but for the most part it seems to have disappeared.

 

Whatever happened to the office of deacons? You know, men filled with the Holy Spirit who oversaw meeting the needs of widows and others?

 

Ac 6:1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

 3 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

 4 "but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

 

Look what happened when emphasis was put on taking care of the poor! “The Word of God spread and the church grew!

 

I hope your church has some sort of a deacon type program in place, making the care of the poor in your midst a priority, While supporting such ministries as Samaritan’s Purse and Food For the Poor is important, so is the personal touch of the deacon like ministry of the local congregation. It puts the “brother” into brotherly love.

 !

 

’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word