61 Our brothers and sisters!
"Love the brotherhood of believers." 1 Peter 2:17
All Christians are brethren. If we are truly born of God—then . . .
He is our Father,
Jesus is our elder Brother, and
all believers are our brethren.
They may differ from us in creed, in outward ceremonies and in many other things—but if are truly born of God—then they should be objects of our love.
We cannot refuse to love them, for our God says, "Love them—love them with a brother’s love!"
Let us then look upon all Christians . . .
as in Christ,
as the beloved children of God,
as
And let us endeavor to feel for them, and exercise toward them a brother’s love.
Such brotherly love is natural, strong, tender, constant, delightful. Let us love them—so as . . .
to pity them in distress,
to relieve them if in need,
to help them in difficulties,
to prefer them to carnal people, however excellent such may in many respects be.
Let us love them . . .
for the sake of their elder Brother,
for their Father’s sake, and
because they are so nearly related to us.
Remember, every Christian is your brother.
Remember, God loves every one of your brothers—as He loves Jesus.
Remember, Jesus commands you to love every Christian—as He has loved you!