2 Pet 1:7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. KJV
ADD BROTHERLY KINDNESS TO GODLINESS
The Greek word "Philadelphia" was translated into English as 'Brotherly Love'. Apostle Peter is telling us to add brotherly kindness to our faith in Jesus. We all know the meaning of kindness or love but there is a need to define who a brother is so that we can understand the biblical concept of brotherly kindness. Biologically, our brother is our sibling(s) because we are related by blood. In a healthy family, siblings look out for the good of one another. Further, our brother can be our neighbours and acquaintances. We owe every human being our act of love and kindness. More than what has been said, our brothers are members of the house hold of faith. Fellow believers in Christ are part of a big family headed by God. We are brothers and sisters because of the blood of Jesus.
I want to dwell more on loving fellow believers. Years back, I was discussing with a woman. She told me about a man who wouldn't help people except they are members of his denomination. That man's definition of brotherly kindness is partial and unbiblical. It skewed in favour of his denomination not the body of Christ. After I left the university, a friend told me to join a church on the Island so that the Pastor can help me get a job. He told me to be active in the workforce so that the Pastor can help me. That sounded like a good idea for a job seeker but the underlining fact was I won't be helped if I don't switch denomination. God doesn't segregate neither does he select people to be favoured because of denomination. His love is extravagant and boundless.God's family is large and it extend beyond races, tribes, denomination and human boundaries. Our denominations are only units in the family.
The household of faith is not our denomination alone but believers who belong to God's family. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith".Gal 6:10. The early church showed to us what brotherly kindness is. When the church at Antioch heard that the church in Jerusalem would soon be suffering from a famine, they gave sacrificially to help relieve their brothers’ and sisters’ financial burden (Acts 11:27–30). Churches in Macedonia and Achaia also contributed to the poor in Jerusalem. These were acts of brotherly kindness. Brotherly kindness is a major theme of the New Testament. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34). Do not create denominational boundaries around your show of brotherly love.
Father, I receive the grace to show brotherly kindness in Jesus name.