“He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:8-10).
Introduction
How do we interact with those inside and outside the church fellowship? Paul is saying that there must not be any double standards here. Holy living must obviously be part of our spiritual lives, but it must also affect the way we operate in the secular. In all things and in every way we must be faithful followers of Christ. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).
Despise not
If we despise (hate) others then we are not true followers of Christ, and our unholy behaviour proves that we are not really children of God. Those who despise others at best can only have a counterfeit faith. Those engaged in the lust of the world cannot exhibit the love of Christ.
Brotherly love
Christian love comes naturally and instinctively to the believer. If we truly follow Christ, then we will automatically love those who belong to Him. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love … Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:7-8, 11-12). This capability to love is given to us by the Holy Spirit, “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). This is nothing new, for it has always been the purpose of God that His children be a people of love, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). The Lord Jesus Christ brought this important teaching to the forefront once again, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).
Christian love is what sets the believer apart from the world. The world should recognise this difference between us and them, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). This love is not optional, in fact it is a command, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10) … “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22) … “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). This love increases as we face circumstances and situations that offer us opportunity to put it into action.
Conclusion
Brotherly love cannot be achieved through a process, instead must be practiced continually, no matter how difficult the situation or person may be. “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you” (Luke 6:26-27). Not only ought we to love, but the effects of that love should to be felt far and wide. It is only here that the richness of God’s blessing can rest upon us. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Psalm 133).
© 20/3/2008