“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness… For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness (virtue), and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, BROTHERLY KINDNESS…” 2 Peter 1:3, 5-7

Mrs. Jones, a elderly woman obviously of meager means and not at all attractive, arrived at the pastor’s study and asked to see the pastor about making arrangements for her late brother’s funeral. Mrs. Jones was told the pastor could not be disturbed because this was his prayer and study time and it must be guarded from interruptions.  She would need to make an appointment, but because he was a very busy man, he would not have any available time for a couple of weeks. The pastor’s assistant offered to have one of the other staff contact her, if she liked.

As Peter concludes his list of faith additives, virtues that authenticate our faith, all that has gone before now funnels down to two virtues having to do with love.  This first is the Greek word philadelphia, which we know as brotherly kindness or brotherly love.  It describes the wondrous love and kindness Christian brothers and sisters ought to show towards one another.  It’s distinguishing mark is that no ordinary demands of our human relationships are ever viewed as a nuisance or bother, no matter how “worthy” our own activity at the time.

Lest we wrongly assume that the above illustration (fictitious but based upon a similar incident) suggests this is solely a clergy issue, we don’t have to look far to see other examples in our own lives and churches.  For example, how do we respond to any demands for ministry or involvement with any of “the least of these”: children, the handicapped, the poor, the elderly… shall I go on?  Brotherly kindness is the outward expression of a godly perspective that sees ALL God’s children as our heavenly Father sees them, never as a nuisance or bother.

FANNING THE FLAME

I will never tire of saying it again and again–more is caught than taught; we teach by example; walk the talk.  If our walk doesn’t match our talk, guess what will be taken most seriously–our walk.  It’s true, our grandchildren will learn more about authentic brotherly kindness by our example than any words we say.  So, here are a few suggestions:

• Give your grandchildren your full attention when they come to you, even at inconvenient times.  Drop what you’re doing and turn your attention to them.

• I’m amazed at how many older saints consider children at nuisance or bother at church, so they don’t get involved.  Set the example and volunteer to help in children’s ministry in your church at least once a month.

• Special needs children and adults are usually ignored and treated as an annoyance everywhere they go.  Instead of rolling our eyes, why not roll up our sleeves and look for ways to engage with them and bless them.

GRANDPAUSE: “And [Christ] has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” I Jn. 4:21