(Part Three)
2 Peter 1:7 KJV
[7] “and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
The phrase “brotherly kindness” means to help. We should be helpful by showing brotherly kindness to others, especially fellow believers. When Jesus was on earth, He showed kindness to all of those who were around Him. This means that Christ was approachable by all. Mothers would bring their children to Him for help. Lepers could approach Him for healing. Even the dying thief on the cross felt that he could ask the Lord to remember him in eternity. In the Bible, anyone who needed help knew they could go to Jesus. If someone did not receive help, it was because they chose not to come to Him. Jesus was patient with His disciples, teaching them as He went about doing the Father’s will. Jesus taught His disciples how to love and how to show love toward one another.
As Christians, we must do the same today. We must add brotherly kindness to our faith by helping those around us. Dear reader, I challenge you to practice brotherly kindness to everyone you come in contact with. Find someone today who needs help. Think of another believer who could use your help in some way. Brotherly kindness will keep us from living a selfish life. It will also keep us from becoming hard and bitter. I believe the modern-day church could have a revival if more Christians would practice brotherly kindness. The bottom line is that we all need help in this life, but we cannot serve the Lord without His assistance and the aid of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Finally, Peter uses the word charity. The word for “charity” is agape, referring to the ultimate love that God has for His Son. Love is known only by what it does. Charity is love in action. We must not only say that we love the brethren, but we must show our love toward them. People need to hear more than our words; they need to see our deeds. Talk is cheap, but a kind act is seldom forgotten. Dear reader, I challenge you again to practice these characteristics today. Help some child of God by showing them kindness and charity. You will be amazed by what it will do for your faith. Serving others is also a great service to ourselves. We become encouraged as we help them along the road of life. Dare to make a difference today and watch your faith blossom for the glory of God.