~Brothers and Sisters~

by Dewey Fox

And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. [1 JOHN 4:21] [NAS]

I was riding my bicycle the other day and I had a thought (usually not many, a rarity), we are to love our brothers and sisters. I’m not referring to our siblings even though they are included; I’m referring to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Actually, I would go a little further and say that you should love ALL brothers and sisters, because that is what we are “brothers and sisters.”

We were all created by God and in the image of God. We are one big family and whether we know it or not, when our brother and sister falls or has a problem or some type of issue, it directly or indirectly affects you and me. We can’t get away from it.

When we start thinking and treating our friends, associates and companions as brothers and sisters, then all of a sudden they become family. And you can’t hurt or say anything about family. It reminds me of that song that goes, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.” That is what we are, one BIG family of God.

Think about how improved our relationship would be if our mind-set was, “I can’t do anything to hurt my brother or sister.” Think about how much better your church would get along! Instead of concentrating on people issues, they would have more time to help bring people to the salvation of Jesus Christ as well as helping them to become disciples so they themselves can help bring others into the Kingdom.

The church would be a place of refuge from the secular world instead of being like the world! - Which is what it should be. The church is built upon the foundation of the Scriptures. When you can’t tell the Church from the regular secular world, how are people going to know where to go for refuge?

Instead of looking at someone and judging them for some reason, you will understand where they are coming from and will offer some way to help. - whatever that may be! When you look at that person you will first think, how can I help them instead of having the thought, I don’t know what their problem is; but I can’t help them.

The Church has gotten away from calling other Christians brothers and sisters! When we get back into the mind-set of calling our Church, brothers and sisters, then it will expand outwardly to calling our brothers and sisters in the secular world. What a world of different this will make in our life.

The challenge for today and hereafter is to look at your friends and acquaintances as brothers and sisters. Just remember what the Word of God says; “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.” [PRO 18:19] [NAS]

Brother Dewey E. Fox