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TEXT: Hebrews 13:1
SUBJECT: Brotherly Love
I. AN ASSUMPTION
Our verse assumes something about Christian believers; it assumes we love each other. Is this true? It is--and not just of mature believers, but all believers, including the newest convert. John tells us that, if we don't love each other, we don't know God. But all believers know God, and therefore, love their brothers and sisters in Christ.
II. A DEFINITION
Everyone agrees we ought to love one another. But what is love? It is that state of mind described in I Corinthians 13. It is the attitude which:
--Suffers wrong without retaliation.
--Treats offenders kindly.
--Does not resent the good others have or the praise they receive.
--Does not call attention to itself.
--Does not put its own interests before the needs of others.
--Is not easily angered or frustrated.
--Does not dwell on the wrongs and pains other people have inflicted.
--Is not happy to hear the misfortune of others.
This is the love God wants us to have for our fellow believers. And not just our best friends, but for all believers, including the most annoying.
III.AN ENCOURAGEMENT
The writer of Hebrews assumes we have this sort of love for each other. Now, what must we do with it? We must "let it continue". We must not become discouraged and give up. Our brotherly love must grow.
Is your brotherly love on the increase? If it is not, the reason cannot be good. There is no legitimate reason for not loving your brothers and sisters in Christ! The reasons we don't love each other are always sinful.
They are selfish, disobedient, and unmindful of our witness to the world. The world knows we belong to Christ only--and only insofar as--we love one another, John 13:35.
To love others more, you must remember this: Every believer belongs to with Jesus Christ. If you love Christ, you love His people. If you don't love His people, you don't love Christ.
Practical steps to increase your love:
1.Confess your sin of not loving others. Don't be general, name the people you don't love, and confess how wicked it is to not love them.
2.Ask God to give you a heart of love. We know this is according to His will; it's a prayer He will answer, if we ask sincerely.
3.Make an effort to love others. If you don't feel anything at the moment, do good to them until you do feel something for them.
If you do these things, you will fulfill our verse and "Let the love of the brethren continue".
God help you--and me--to do so. For Christ's sake. Amen.
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