“And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” II Peter 1:7
Love has no meaning unless it is demonstrated by giving and having the ability to give.
James Chapter 1, verse 27, says: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” We have a brother in our church who is faithful to us widows. I am thankful that he comes and installs my Air Conditioner in the spring and takes it out in the fall. He refuses to accept any reward for doing so, and I know the Lord blesses him for this.
Brotherly kindness is not just something we express to our family and our church friends. There are so many out there in the world that are in need and as followers of Christ, we are called to do what we can to help them. I am thankful that our local church participates in donating food to our local Food Bank once or twice a year. It doesn’t take much effort to add a few items to your grocery cart each week, so that when the time comes to participate, you can just take some things off your shelf. I watch for special sales on canned goods and other non-perishables and just buy a few extra.
Brotherly kindness can also be expressed in many other ways, that don’t really cost us anything. A smile for that cashier that has been on her feet all day at the grocery store. Who knows what her life is like, and what burdens she is carrying. A kind word may be just what she needs.
Maybe there is a teenager that you see every Sunday in church. Who knows what they have faced at school that week, or what problems they may be having at home. A kind word, a pat on the back, or a hug means a lot to them. Tell them you are praying for them, and then don’t forget to do so during the week. It will bless you as well as them.
Prayer: Jesus, lead us today, show us ways in which we can extend love and brotherly kindness to others. You have blessed us so abundantly, we want to bless others in return.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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