Brotherly love is proof of one’s discipleship (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32; Hebrews 13:1; John 13:35). Christians should be examples to one another in the area of showing respect and honor. A Christian should not long for personal honor, but should give honor to his brethren.
Christians should not be lazy, but give their best by serving the Lord in all they do (Colossians 3:22-24, 17). The hope of heaven, enhanced by constant prayer, should give joy even in hard times (1 Peter 1:8; Philippians 4:4). Every Christian should use his blessings to help brethren and others in need (Matthew 25:41, 45; Galatians 6:10; James 1:27). Each should be ready to take in strangers, providing for their needs (Romans 12:11-13; Matthew 25:40; Hebrews 13:2).
Christ’s followers will suffer persecution, yet they must return good for evil (2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:44-45; Luke 23:34). Shepherd says, “It is the duty of the Christians so to teach and so to live as to commend himself to every man’s conscience in the sight of God (II Corinthians 4:2), and thus compel the inward respect of even the wicked for his sincerity and consistency.” Members of the body should rejoice in one another’s triumphs and suffer in one another’s pain, achieved by being of one mind. Believers should not be carried away with seeking high social position, but they should associate with the humble, not being proud of their own wisdom (Romans 12:14-16; Matthew 8:20).
Disciples of Jesus should not allow evil actions of others to drive them to evil works. God’s children will seek opportunities to do good, giving God the glory (Matthew 5:16). They should work to avoid conflict, especially in the church, quietly enduring suffering and leaving vengeance to God (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Deuteronomy 32:35). Each believer should provide for the needs of his enemy, making him ashamed of his bad attitude. He should overcome evil with good rather than being overcome by evil (Romans 12:17-21).
Praise God for the family of God comprised of people putting their Christianity to work and encouraging their brothers to do the same!
