Day 15: Brotherly Affection

A selfless love for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13.35). With these words Jesus gave His church one of the primary means of being His witnesses to a lost and dying world. Furthermore, Jesus was unambiguous with His expectations on how fellow believers are to treat one another when He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13.34). It is only through abiding in Jesus, the true vine (John 15.1-17) that we may exhibit such selfless love. This abiding relationship has “been granted to us…through the knowledge of Him…” and is the source for our selfless love for one another.

• Read 2 Peter 1.5-8
• In what areas of your life is God inviting you to practice spirit-empowered selflessness?

I do not want to blow my own horn but I believe I am a pretty selfless person with a good record of brotherly affection. My husband even accuses me of putting others’ needs before those of myself and my family to often. If I were to pinpoint a particular place that I could better practice spirit-empowered selflessness, it would be at home. I can be very selfish in my own “castle.” This one doesn’t take much analysis…

• How is God inviting you to practice spirit-empowered selflessness within your community?

I need to make more of an effort to better consider the needs of my husband and children at home. Even during times when I consider myself in need of the most attention because of pressing deadlines or commitments. This is really not a difficult one to write because I cannot offer excuses for my behavior or pretend that I haven’t thought about it a hundred times before.