Fraternal Affection
...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge
temperance; and to temperance patience; and
to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
(2 Peter 1:57)
The Greek word for brotherly kindness
is “Philadelphia,” which means fraternal
affection; learning to be helpful in a brotherly manner;
having godly affection for your brethren. When you
have “Philadelphia,” it means you esteem, honour and
love others dearly.
It’s what the Lord wants, and it’s something you
have to practise. He said, “Be kindly affectioned one to
another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one
another” (Romans 12:10). Practise kindness; practise
walking in love. Practise honouring and esteeming
others. This is one of the prerequisites for a fruitful
and productive life. 2 Peter 1:8 says, “…if these things
be in you, and abound, (one of which is brotherly
kindness) they make you that ye shall neither be
barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord
Jesus Christ.”
Part of fraternal affection is to always speak kindly
of, and be pleasant to, your brothers and sisters.
God places a far greater premium on inter-personal
relationships among His children than most people
realize. He said in Galatians 6:10 (TLB): “Whenever
we can we should always be kind to everyone and
especially to our Christian brothers.” That means you
ought to give preference to your brothers and sisters
in Christ and hold them in the highest regard.
Romans 12:10 (CEV) says, “Love each other as
brothers and sisters and honour others more than
you do yourself.” Imagine that the Lord says to esteem
others above yourself! Don’t judge or try to outdo
others. Relate to them with the love of Christ that’s
in your heart. Be gracious, loving, and kind to them
always.
Confession
I’m gracious and kind, even as my heavenly Father is gracious and
kind. I esteem my brothers and sisters in Christ highly, because
the love of Christ in me compels me to do so. The kindness of
the Spirit of God is seen in my communication, attitude, and
character. Therefore, my life is fruitful and productive, in Jesus’
Name. Amen.
Further Study
Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 13:1-2
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Colossians 2:6-23
Isaiah 48-49
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 4:43-54
1 Kings 15