Let brotherly love continue. –Hebrews 13:1
February is widely known for the global celebration of Valentine’s Day. Florists have already placed their orders for flowers, with roses in many colors, but particularly red. Lovers, whether to give or to receive, are eagerly anticipating cards with the words “I love you”. Then, there are many who, by death, or otherwise, have only precious memories to cling to.
In our text today, the apostle Paul is advocating brotherly love among the body of Christ, as it will bode well to distinguish us as Christians more so than false prophets. In John 13: 34-35, Jesus is giving a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
When we continue to look at our text, which consists of only four words, as four will rule supremely in February, we must take earnest heed to let brotherly love continue. There are many who only love for the day. Brotherly love will speak loudly as to who we are and to whom we belong.
There are many in the world who have no kind words for the church, because they have not seen or felt any love coming from those who hold high the banner of love.
Paul encouraged and commended the church at Thessalonica for their strong showing of brotherly love. Now concerning brotherly love, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another for that is exactly what you are doing, however continue to do even more.
With all the tragedies of war, killing of innocent people – including children, racial and ethnic hatred, avarice, greed and unkindness, envy, backbiting, slandering of people’s character and good names, jealousy and evil doings, could not our text today be the forward, upward, onward and together banner that we will wave high, so that the world will mark the manner of our new bearing?
Could not this be the time when young men will turn their guns into pruning hooks for the better of all than causing grief and national sorrow? Could not this be a time for brotherly love when true and spiritual attention be given to the erosion of family thus dragging our nation our nation into despair? Could this not be the time when brotherly love will lead us to seek first the kingdom of God and things upon things will be ours?
Could this not be the time when there will be no sowing of seed of discord among the brethren but we march from victory to victory for the good of all? Could this not be the time when we not withhold from our brothers and sisters that which is due unto them?
It is time for the love train to get rolling on the track of goodness and mercy leaving want and poverty at the station of malfunction junction. As for me and mine, we will continue to let brotherly love continue.
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