The letter to the Romans is Paul’s most profound statement of Christian doctrine. He reaches lofty heights in speaking of God’s plan and his action to save the lost. Then, in chapter 12 Paul turns to practical application of everything he has said in the earlier chapters. Christianity is action, not just ideals. Such is the usual pattern in Paul’s letters.
Brotherly kindness is philadelphia, brotherly love. Christians are all together in the family of God, saved by grace and the blood of Jesus. People often say that blood is thicker than water. The blood of Jesus is a powerful tie. How fitting that Paul begins in Romans 12:9 to speak of the agape love we must practice, and in verse 10, of devotion to one another in brotherly love. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Rom. 12:9-10). Second only to agape, brotherly love grows from the things we have in common. We should see so much of Jesus in one another that it is impossible to not have brotherly love. Affection between Christians is pure and unselfish. We care about one another and serve one another. Filled with zeal, our competition is against Satan, not one another. Love is not just emotion but genuine care for the brotherhood of Christ. Christian service reaches out to all mankind but begins with the family of God (Gal. 6:9-10). I continue to be amazed at the brotherly love exhibited by the Cameron Road church of Christ—a precious local household of God’s family. The care, the prayers, the service!
Stick together, brothers and sisters. God is with us he will never forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Let us do the same with one another. Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC