“…And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Peter 1:7 KJV).
Kindness is one of the most precious gifts you can give to an individual. In today’s society the norm is not kindness. The norm is to get revenge and retaliation. But God’s way is the way of kindness.
The Amplified Bible says it this way in 2 Peter 1:7: “…And in (exercising) godliness (develop) brotherly affection.
Adding brotherly affection to your faith can make a person’s day. So, make sure you find a way to do good to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Add affection for the saints: love them, help them and bless them.
From God’s perspective, if we do wrong to another Christian, we are doing wrong to Him! He takes a personal affront whenever we do wrong to another born-again believer. He said, Let us do good…especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10).
We are to be the most considerate toward other believers. For example, if a handicapped person or senior citizen comes late to church, that person should not have to hunt for a seat. The believers should be ready to find them a seat, offer theirs if necessary, even if you think they should have arrived early. You may be attending a church service where there is standing room only. A gentleman would do good to offer his seat to a sister who is standing, whether she arrived on time or not. That is kindness.
I remember the first time I took my wife out on a date. When I drove her home and stopped in front of her house, she immediately opened the car door to get out. I said, “Don’t you open that door!” Then I got out, walked around to her side and opened it for her.
Deborah looked at me in shock. She had never in her life seen a man act like that. She couldn’t believe I was for real. But she liked what she saw.
So, God’s Word is saying, “Add brotherly kindness to your faith, especially being sure that you take care of those in the household of faith.”
Scripture References: Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 4:3
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).