Day 7: 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?

God is inviting me to apply practice spirit-empowered selflessness in my personal relationships. From the relationship with my sister, to the friendship at have at church, I can feel Him pulling me toward more selfless talk and actions. It is extremely easy to get caught up with a group of friends who may be “rebellious” in nature. Having fun does not always have to include taking on their actions or talking a certain way to “fit in” for the moment. The reality is that my friends would most likely accept me for the way I am without my efforts to “fit in.” With regards to my relationship with my sister, I feel that I have sometimes ignored her need for acknowledgement in light of the casual nature of our family dynamic. As she has become older, however, I can see it becoming more imperative for me to allow her to grow up and be a friend to me.

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

Obviously, God is calling me to practice greater in my relationship with my sister. It has become clear that without it, I risk having a “How’s the weather?” type acquaintance with her. But also in other areas, God is calling me to stand up and leave when a conversation turns to gossip, to build up a person that others may be tearing down, to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. It is one of those things that will require a constant conscience effort on my part.