“Do not be carried away be all kinds of strange teachings.” Hebrews 13:9
Lots of people want to tell you lots of things about how to live your life—not just products you should buy or portfolios you should build, but principles you should believe. Beware, be on your guard, and “do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings”(Heb. 13:9).
It’s out there—various claims and commands about what you need to do to be devout. Wear this and don’t wear that. Eat this and don’t eat that. Drink this but don’t drink that. Play this but don’t play that. Go here but don’t go there. Etc…. Such specifics are nothing new. When Hebrews was written, some were saying that even if you had faith in Jesus for salvation, you should still follow the Old Testament Law to really be a good Christian. Though clearly refuted in Scripture, this idea has hung around until today and shows up in all kinds of “strange teachings.”
Be leery of groups and gurus who advocate long lists of rules for uprightness. Often, as Paul stated, “Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence”(Col. 2:22-23). Instead of focusing our hearts and minds on Jesus, rules and regulations can cause us to focus on ourselves and on “how we are doing.” We become fixated on our own rightness instead of being consumed by God’s righteousness. “It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them”(Heb. 13:9). Or don’t eat them.
Several years ago a lady told me she had given up pork as a way to get closer to God. Knowing she watched the sexually-charged show Ally McBeal religiously, I suggested a better route might be to turn off the TV and fry up a pound of bacon, for Jesus said, “What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean,’ but the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander”(Matt. 15:17-19). (I’m not saying you should never watch TV; just suggesting you watch what you watch.)
The high cost of the cross bought our freedom, and the preceding verses of Hebrews 13 give us guidelines about how to live in this delightful liberty. Love each other. Share hospitality. Hurt with the hurting. Stay morally pure. Don’t make money a priority. And remember that Jesus stays the same. He’s the one who reduced the many Old Testament laws into two commands: “Love the Lord your God with all you are and love others unselfishly”(Matt. 22:37-40). When people tell you how to live these out, remember that if what you hear doesn’t line up with what God has said, don’t listen. The litmus test for your activities, actions, and attitudes should be 1 Corinthians 10:31—“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Adhering to strange teaching doesn’t make you stronger—just stranger. Ask the question, “Does this bring God glory?” and live according to the answer.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
No Change Needed
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Much can be said for consistency.
No one desires a car that cranks occasionally, deodorant that works sporadically, lights which flicker intermittently, or a God who changes—ever.
We know we don’t stay the same. We’re good one moment and bad the next. Kind one minute and cantankerous the next. Generous, then selfish. Patient, then pushy. Sweet, then sour. Praising, then pouting. Faithful, then faithless. But our God is not like us. He is not fickle, and He does not flip-flop. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”(Heb. 13:8).
Don’t let familiarity with that phrase lessen its impact. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The eternally-existent God has never had—and will never have—a moment when He is different. “I AM WHO I AM,” God announced to Moses at the burning bush and then further expounded a few months later up a mountain by a rock. “I AM, I AM, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin”(Ex. 34:6-7).
The statement that God will stay the same follows the author’s instruction for us to reflect on the lives of our leaders (Heb. 13:7). Who has God been to them? How has God provided for their needs? Forgiven their failures? Stayed by their side? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” God will do the same for you. He will provide, forgive, and stick close, for He will never change.
Such constancy brings us comfort. Moods swing. Skin sags. Circumstances shift. The market fluctuates. Incomes adjust. Kids grow up. Loved ones leave. Families fracture. Friends move far away. And we find ourselves continually adapting, modifying, revising, and then changing it all again. But not once, in the many variations of life, will God diverge from His permanent perfection. His love is unfailing, His grace is unending, and great is His faithfulness.
God was. God is. And God always will be.
The same.
Much can be said for consistency.
No one desires a car that cranks occasionally, deodorant that works sporadically, lights which flicker intermittently, or a God who changes—ever.
We know we don’t stay the same. We’re good one moment and bad the next. Kind one minute and cantankerous the next. Generous, then selfish. Patient, then pushy. Sweet, then sour. Praising, then pouting. Faithful, then faithless. But our God is not like us. He is not fickle, and He does not flip-flop. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”(Heb. 13:8).
Don’t let familiarity with that phrase lessen its impact. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The eternally-existent God has never had—and will never have—a moment when He is different. “I AM WHO I AM,” God announced to Moses at the burning bush and then further expounded a few months later up a mountain by a rock. “I AM, I AM, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin”(Ex. 34:6-7).
The statement that God will stay the same follows the author’s instruction for us to reflect on the lives of our leaders (Heb. 13:7). Who has God been to them? How has God provided for their needs? Forgiven their failures? Stayed by their side? “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” God will do the same for you. He will provide, forgive, and stick close, for He will never change.
Such constancy brings us comfort. Moods swing. Skin sags. Circumstances shift. The market fluctuates. Incomes adjust. Kids grow up. Loved ones leave. Families fracture. Friends move far away. And we find ourselves continually adapting, modifying, revising, and then changing it all again. But not once, in the many variations of life, will God diverge from His permanent perfection. His love is unfailing, His grace is unending, and great is His faithfulness.
God was. God is. And God always will be.
The same.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Follow The Leader
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
Who first told you about Jesus? From whom have you learned a lot about Him along the way? “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith”(Heb. 13:7). Think about the people who have helped you grow in knowing God. Reflect on how they have lived and how they have handled the happenings of their lives—the trials, the triumphs, and the failures. You’re not looking for perfection but reality—the reality of God’s grace and God’s love. Ministers mess up, pastors make mistakes, and teachers stumble and struggle, but a heart set on seeking God always heads back home.
“Consider the outcome of their way of life.” What have been the results of their trust in God? Have others been encouraged? Instructed? Inspired? Have they themselves had peace in the storms? Joy in the junk? Perseverance through the problems? And excitement about the ordinary? Think about how they have dealt with success, with routine, and with sickness, and reflect on their actions and attitudes.
Then “imitate their faith.” Since they believed God was good even when things were bad, do the same. Since they cried out in confession and repentance when they sinned, do the same. Since they stood for the truth, shared with the needy, and knelt for the hurting, do the same. Live their example, and follow them as they have followed Christ(1 Cor. 11:1).
Thanks, Mom and Dad, Clete and Nelda, Larry and Nancy, Tracy, Bro. Al, Ray S., Ray C., Drew, and many others. I am blessed to have been led by you to love Jesus more, know Him better, and see Him bigger.
Remember those who have helped you love Jesus.
Consider how they have lived.
Copy what they have done.
And if you still can, say thanks.
Who first told you about Jesus? From whom have you learned a lot about Him along the way? “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith”(Heb. 13:7). Think about the people who have helped you grow in knowing God. Reflect on how they have lived and how they have handled the happenings of their lives—the trials, the triumphs, and the failures. You’re not looking for perfection but reality—the reality of God’s grace and God’s love. Ministers mess up, pastors make mistakes, and teachers stumble and struggle, but a heart set on seeking God always heads back home.
“Consider the outcome of their way of life.” What have been the results of their trust in God? Have others been encouraged? Instructed? Inspired? Have they themselves had peace in the storms? Joy in the junk? Perseverance through the problems? And excitement about the ordinary? Think about how they have dealt with success, with routine, and with sickness, and reflect on their actions and attitudes.
Then “imitate their faith.” Since they believed God was good even when things were bad, do the same. Since they cried out in confession and repentance when they sinned, do the same. Since they stood for the truth, shared with the needy, and knelt for the hurting, do the same. Live their example, and follow them as they have followed Christ(1 Cor. 11:1).
Thanks, Mom and Dad, Clete and Nelda, Larry and Nancy, Tracy, Bro. Al, Ray S., Ray C., Drew, and many others. I am blessed to have been led by you to love Jesus more, know Him better, and see Him bigger.
Remember those who have helped you love Jesus.
Consider how they have lived.
Copy what they have done.
And if you still can, say thanks.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Money Matters
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.” Hebrews 13:5
Like a skilled fighter, the writer of Hebrews follows his left jab on morality with a right hook about money. Ouch. But, since our felt-worth is far too often wrapped up in our net-worth, such punches are justified. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have”(Hebrews 13:5). The issue is not the amount in your account, but your attitude—how you feel about what you have. Both the righteous rich and the pious poor struggle with the subject of cash and income.
Knowing the hold money can have on our hearts, Jesus spoke early and often on the topic. “Both God and gold can’t be your top priority”(Matt. 6:24). “Guard against all kinds of greed. Your life is more than what you make”(Luke 12:15). “Set your focus—and your funds—in heaven. Your heart is in the place you place your treasure”(Luke 12:33-34).
“Keep your lives free from the love of money.” Before you dismiss (or deny) that such could possibly be a problem in your own life, ponder these questions. Do you think more about money or about Jesus? Do you spend more time figuring out what you can get(toys, trips, outfits, etc.) or what you can give? Does money more easily pass through your hands or find a place in your heart? Will you do anything for gain or everything for God’s glory? Is the bottom line your profit or God’s presence? “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’”(Heb. 13:5).
The best antidote for materialism is contentment. Contentment is not having what you want; it’s wanting what you have. And what you have is a God who never goes away and who always helps you out(Heb. 13:5-6). We should never fret about not having enough, or feel like we need to have more, for we are filled and overflowing with the riches of God’s kindness(Rom. 2:4), the riches of His glory(Rom. 9:23), the riches of His wisdom and knowledge(Rom. 11:3), the riches of His grace(Eph. 1:7), the riches of His glorious inheritance(Eph. 1:18), and the riches of His mercy(Eph. 2:4). Today’s temporary currency can’t begin to compare to the wealth of eternity, so whatever bank balance God brings your way, share generously, enjoy graciously, and hold on loosely.
Money matters.
Let it be something you live with—not something you live for.
Like a skilled fighter, the writer of Hebrews follows his left jab on morality with a right hook about money. Ouch. But, since our felt-worth is far too often wrapped up in our net-worth, such punches are justified. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have”(Hebrews 13:5). The issue is not the amount in your account, but your attitude—how you feel about what you have. Both the righteous rich and the pious poor struggle with the subject of cash and income.
Knowing the hold money can have on our hearts, Jesus spoke early and often on the topic. “Both God and gold can’t be your top priority”(Matt. 6:24). “Guard against all kinds of greed. Your life is more than what you make”(Luke 12:15). “Set your focus—and your funds—in heaven. Your heart is in the place you place your treasure”(Luke 12:33-34).
“Keep your lives free from the love of money.” Before you dismiss (or deny) that such could possibly be a problem in your own life, ponder these questions. Do you think more about money or about Jesus? Do you spend more time figuring out what you can get(toys, trips, outfits, etc.) or what you can give? Does money more easily pass through your hands or find a place in your heart? Will you do anything for gain or everything for God’s glory? Is the bottom line your profit or God’s presence? “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’”(Heb. 13:5).
The best antidote for materialism is contentment. Contentment is not having what you want; it’s wanting what you have. And what you have is a God who never goes away and who always helps you out(Heb. 13:5-6). We should never fret about not having enough, or feel like we need to have more, for we are filled and overflowing with the riches of God’s kindness(Rom. 2:4), the riches of His glory(Rom. 9:23), the riches of His wisdom and knowledge(Rom. 11:3), the riches of His grace(Eph. 1:7), the riches of His glorious inheritance(Eph. 1:18), and the riches of His mercy(Eph. 2:4). Today’s temporary currency can’t begin to compare to the wealth of eternity, so whatever bank balance God brings your way, share generously, enjoy graciously, and hold on loosely.
Money matters.
Let it be something you live with—not something you live for.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Sex Talk
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral." Hebrews 13:4
Since the guy who wrote Hebrews didn’t shy away from the sex talk, neither will we, so here goes. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral”(Heb. 13:4).
All of us should value and respect marriage. Why? First, because society starts to unravel when marriages fall apart. The covenant connection of one man and one woman sticking together and staying together “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, keeping their hands and hearts off any others, as long as they both shall live” is the basic building block of a strong and stable culture. This is not meant as a statement of judgment on those who are divorced, for, sadly, sometimes such action is necessary, but those who have felt the pain of a split know that the end of a dream brings tears and not cheers.
Second, and more importantly, marriage is meant to model God’s perfect, pure, and pleasurable connection with His church—His people made His own by the covenant of Christ’s sacrifice. We shouldn’t blur the picture by being impure. “The marriage bed [should be] kept pure,” is a direct but difficult demand, and we have millenniums of messes to prove that hormones and hearts are hard to control. Kingdoms (political, commercial, and religious) have crumbled, and rulers (presidents, principals, and preachers) have tumbled because of adultery.
God’s not trying to spoil our fun; in fact He’s trying to facilitate it. Sex is His grand—and very good—idea. Since He created the game, He gets to set the rules, and when we step out of bounds, we pay the penalty. “God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral”(Heb. 13:4). Yes, because Christ’s blood covers our sin, God forgives our failures, but the current consequences of our choices are not removed. Trust is shattered. Hearts are broken. Relationships often crash on the rocks, and we hurt not only others but also ourselves. “All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body”(1 Cor. 6:18). We’re not given details of what this means because it’s hard to explain except by experience. If you don’t get it, good. And if you’ve been there, don’t go there again. “Other than your spouse” sex leaves you with pain, problems, and a past you would like to get past. God’s grace renews us and help us rebuild, but the process is tough and takes time.
Before some get prideful, remember that purity is more than what you do; it’s also what you desire. Jesus clearly stated that an affair can be in attitude as well as actions, and when a look turns to lust, you’ve crossed the line. Dangerous desires, physically or emotionally, with a lover or online, are devastating, destructive, and disobedient.
No matter the state of your relationship (single, dating, engaged, married, or divorced) treat marriage—and the God of marriage—as something precious by being pure.
If you’re not married to somebody, don’t sleep with anybody.
And if vows have been said, stay in bed with the one you wed.
Since the guy who wrote Hebrews didn’t shy away from the sex talk, neither will we, so here goes. “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral”(Heb. 13:4).
All of us should value and respect marriage. Why? First, because society starts to unravel when marriages fall apart. The covenant connection of one man and one woman sticking together and staying together “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, keeping their hands and hearts off any others, as long as they both shall live” is the basic building block of a strong and stable culture. This is not meant as a statement of judgment on those who are divorced, for, sadly, sometimes such action is necessary, but those who have felt the pain of a split know that the end of a dream brings tears and not cheers.
Second, and more importantly, marriage is meant to model God’s perfect, pure, and pleasurable connection with His church—His people made His own by the covenant of Christ’s sacrifice. We shouldn’t blur the picture by being impure. “The marriage bed [should be] kept pure,” is a direct but difficult demand, and we have millenniums of messes to prove that hormones and hearts are hard to control. Kingdoms (political, commercial, and religious) have crumbled, and rulers (presidents, principals, and preachers) have tumbled because of adultery.
God’s not trying to spoil our fun; in fact He’s trying to facilitate it. Sex is His grand—and very good—idea. Since He created the game, He gets to set the rules, and when we step out of bounds, we pay the penalty. “God will judge the adulterer and the sexually immoral”(Heb. 13:4). Yes, because Christ’s blood covers our sin, God forgives our failures, but the current consequences of our choices are not removed. Trust is shattered. Hearts are broken. Relationships often crash on the rocks, and we hurt not only others but also ourselves. “All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body”(1 Cor. 6:18). We’re not given details of what this means because it’s hard to explain except by experience. If you don’t get it, good. And if you’ve been there, don’t go there again. “Other than your spouse” sex leaves you with pain, problems, and a past you would like to get past. God’s grace renews us and help us rebuild, but the process is tough and takes time.
Before some get prideful, remember that purity is more than what you do; it’s also what you desire. Jesus clearly stated that an affair can be in attitude as well as actions, and when a look turns to lust, you’ve crossed the line. Dangerous desires, physically or emotionally, with a lover or online, are devastating, destructive, and disobedient.
No matter the state of your relationship (single, dating, engaged, married, or divorced) treat marriage—and the God of marriage—as something precious by being pure.
If you’re not married to somebody, don’t sleep with anybody.
And if vows have been said, stay in bed with the one you wed.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Prison Pals
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 3:13
We know little about suffering for Jesus. Yes, friends, family, co-workers, and teachers— antagonistic to the faith—often hurl hurtful remarks and insults. Sadly, we do hear more and more in America about Christians being denied promotions, outspoken believers being hushed, and Godly faculty being reprimanded for attending school prayer vigils. While such incidents make us mad and make us sad, they should also cause us to remember the much more severe persecution faced by our family in Christ around the world. In fact, we shouldn’t require a news flash of an incident close by to rouse our concern for those far away. We should keep them on our minds and in our hearts every day. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering”(Heb. 13:3).
Not sure who’s hurting? Here are a few facts taken from two Christian news sites:
One-third of North Korea’s 100,000 believers are in concentration camps.
At the beginning of August, three houses used as churches were burned in Sumatra. A gang threw stones and threatened church members with knives before pouring gasoline around the houses and setting them on fire.
In Malaysia, authorities from the Islamic Religious Department, accompanied by police, recently raided a celebration dinner at the Damansara United Methodist Church and recorded the names of those present.
In Eritrea, 90 Christians, mostly college students, have been arrested since May and are in the notorious Mitire military prison.
In the past week, dozens of priests and believers have been arrested in China, and twenty-four were killed in attacks on Christian villages in Nigeria.
In Pakistan, a fourteen year old Christian girl was taken from her home at gunpoint by a Muslim who intends to “purify her,” convert her to Islam, and make her his mistress. Such violent acts occur often against young Christian girls, but police authorities will not respond or investigate.
In Mexico and other Latin countries, Christians have increasingly become targeted as victims of attacks, kidnappings, and murders by gangs and organized crime.
And three weeks ago, a sixteen-year-old girl in Sudan escaped from a gang of Muslims of who kidnapped her one year ago. She was initially locked in a room and beaten until unconscious. The leader of the group raped her, and she is still suffering pain in her right eye from a blow he recently dealt her in a beating. “Apart from abusing me sexually, he tried to force me to change my faith,” she said. “I cannot forget this bad incident, and whenever I try to pray, I find it difficult to forget. I ask believers to pray for me for inner healing.”
“Remember those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Millions of our brothers and sisters are hurting, and over 100,000 will die for their faith this year. The key to prison might be held by the enemy, but the key to prayer is in your hands.
Fold them and don’t forget.
We know little about suffering for Jesus. Yes, friends, family, co-workers, and teachers— antagonistic to the faith—often hurl hurtful remarks and insults. Sadly, we do hear more and more in America about Christians being denied promotions, outspoken believers being hushed, and Godly faculty being reprimanded for attending school prayer vigils. While such incidents make us mad and make us sad, they should also cause us to remember the much more severe persecution faced by our family in Christ around the world. In fact, we shouldn’t require a news flash of an incident close by to rouse our concern for those far away. We should keep them on our minds and in our hearts every day. “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering”(Heb. 13:3).
Not sure who’s hurting? Here are a few facts taken from two Christian news sites:
One-third of North Korea’s 100,000 believers are in concentration camps.
At the beginning of August, three houses used as churches were burned in Sumatra. A gang threw stones and threatened church members with knives before pouring gasoline around the houses and setting them on fire.
In Malaysia, authorities from the Islamic Religious Department, accompanied by police, recently raided a celebration dinner at the Damansara United Methodist Church and recorded the names of those present.
In Eritrea, 90 Christians, mostly college students, have been arrested since May and are in the notorious Mitire military prison.
In the past week, dozens of priests and believers have been arrested in China, and twenty-four were killed in attacks on Christian villages in Nigeria.
In Pakistan, a fourteen year old Christian girl was taken from her home at gunpoint by a Muslim who intends to “purify her,” convert her to Islam, and make her his mistress. Such violent acts occur often against young Christian girls, but police authorities will not respond or investigate.
In Mexico and other Latin countries, Christians have increasingly become targeted as victims of attacks, kidnappings, and murders by gangs and organized crime.
And three weeks ago, a sixteen-year-old girl in Sudan escaped from a gang of Muslims of who kidnapped her one year ago. She was initially locked in a room and beaten until unconscious. The leader of the group raped her, and she is still suffering pain in her right eye from a blow he recently dealt her in a beating. “Apart from abusing me sexually, he tried to force me to change my faith,” she said. “I cannot forget this bad incident, and whenever I try to pray, I find it difficult to forget. I ask believers to pray for me for inner healing.”
“Remember those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Millions of our brothers and sisters are hurting, and over 100,000 will die for their faith this year. The key to prison might be held by the enemy, but the key to prayer is in your hands.
Fold them and don’t forget.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Love Like Brothers
“Keep on loving each other as brothers.” Hebrews 13:1
My brother loves me. I’m not trying to brag or make those at odds with their siblings feel bad, but the truth is that I am blessed to have a brother who loves me. How do I know this is so? Because he shows me. He talks to me. He listens to me. He prays for me. He cares for me. If he has a concern, he shares it honestly. When I have a goal, he encourages it heartily. He is generous, funny, straightforward, and loyal. He has shown his love by standing up for me, protecting me, and being willing to die for me—literally.
Throughout our early years, we spent countless hours working together and playing together, and though now we live many miles apart, we make the effort to see each other often. In fact, if my brother won a trip for two (and his wife couldn’t go), he would take me or my sister. Actually, my brother would take us both and just pay for the extra one!
My brother is not perfect and I’m well aware of his faults, but I suggest that you don’t point them out, for while personal offenses are easily overlooked and forgiven, I will defend him ferociously. Blood is thicker than water, and when others in my life have walked away, my brother has been there to stay. I love my brother and don’t plan to stop.
“Keep on loving each other as brothers”(Heb. 13:1). God’s household in Hebrews had made loving as brothers a habit, and we should too. Though we all don’t have the same last name, the same saving blood runs through our veins and gives us God’s life. 134 times in the epistles Christians are referred to as “brothers,” so since we are family, and we need to love like one.
By loyal. Be generous. Be gracious. Don’t make perfection a prerequisite for affection, but be hard to offend, quick to forgive, and fast to defend. Hurt when others hurt. Help when they need help. Be the one they can call when no one else cares, and be there to stay when others walk away. “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers”(1 John 3:16).
Start—and don’t stop—loving each other as brothers.
My brother loves me. I’m not trying to brag or make those at odds with their siblings feel bad, but the truth is that I am blessed to have a brother who loves me. How do I know this is so? Because he shows me. He talks to me. He listens to me. He prays for me. He cares for me. If he has a concern, he shares it honestly. When I have a goal, he encourages it heartily. He is generous, funny, straightforward, and loyal. He has shown his love by standing up for me, protecting me, and being willing to die for me—literally.
Throughout our early years, we spent countless hours working together and playing together, and though now we live many miles apart, we make the effort to see each other often. In fact, if my brother won a trip for two (and his wife couldn’t go), he would take me or my sister. Actually, my brother would take us both and just pay for the extra one!
My brother is not perfect and I’m well aware of his faults, but I suggest that you don’t point them out, for while personal offenses are easily overlooked and forgiven, I will defend him ferociously. Blood is thicker than water, and when others in my life have walked away, my brother has been there to stay. I love my brother and don’t plan to stop.
“Keep on loving each other as brothers”(Heb. 13:1). God’s household in Hebrews had made loving as brothers a habit, and we should too. Though we all don’t have the same last name, the same saving blood runs through our veins and gives us God’s life. 134 times in the epistles Christians are referred to as “brothers,” so since we are family, and we need to love like one.
By loyal. Be generous. Be gracious. Don’t make perfection a prerequisite for affection, but be hard to offend, quick to forgive, and fast to defend. Hurt when others hurt. Help when they need help. Be the one they can call when no one else cares, and be there to stay when others walk away. “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers”(1 John 3:16).
Start—and don’t stop—loving each other as brothers.
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