January 18, 2009 9:54 AM
Sam wrote:
Well, as we close out another chapter of God's Word, I am encouraged so much to see the consistency of all of you. Yes, yesterday WAS a refreshing time, a time to re-meet, a time to open up, a time to spend with friends. JB, you ain't heavy, you're my brother. (Sorry, just HAD to say that, almost quoting a 1969 (yes, 4 years before Rik was born) song by The Hollies.) As the very first verse in 13 says, 'keep on loving each other as brothers'. What a great concept/command/suggestion! Now, I am not sure if he is talking about ALL people, or if he was referring to the Hebrews in the church(es) to which he was writing this letter. I have heard the latter...love your fellow Christians as brothers, and not necessarily those who are not Christians, but pray for them. I think this is more logical, as I believe it is impossible for everyone except Jesus to love EVERYONE as his own brother. Although that would be a great concept, I just think it impossible to do so.
Now, how DO you love someone 'as your brother'. As you know, my younger (not youngest) brother was murdered by his best friend over a girl (who he also murdered) when he was 50 years old. I loved my brother, yet after heading off to college, then the Army, then to another career, we didn't see too much of each other. Our 'love' was probably never spoken. We had great times together growing up (through high school), but spent so little time with each other afterward. I didn't realize I much I DID love my brother until he was gone. I don't believe I EVER told him I loved him. So, what kind of love IS brotherly love, talked about here by the Hebrews author? It's not a sexual love; it's probably not even a 'affectionate' love. Is it like the love you have for your children? Probably not....I believe there is a differenct. What IS brotherly love? And how do you love someone like you'd love your own flesh and blood? Just some questions to mull over as you think about love you have for your siblings (if you have any). I sisterly love the same? Well, I'll leave you to think about that today, and in church, look around and see all your "Christian brothers"...do you love each one the same? Reply to this
Well, as we close out another chapter of God's Word, I am encouraged so much to see the consistency of all of you. Yes, yesterday WAS a refreshing time, a time to re-meet, a time to open up, a time to spend with friends. JB, you ain't heavy, you're my brother. (Sorry, just HAD to say that, almost quoting a 1969 (yes, 4 years before Rik was born) song by The Hollies.) As the very first verse in 13 says, 'keep on loving each other as brothers'. What a great concept/command/suggestion! Now, I am not sure if he is talking about ALL people, or if he was referring to the Hebrews in the church(es) to which he was writing this letter. I have heard the latter...love your fellow Christians as brothers, and not necessarily those who are not Christians, but pray for them. I think this is more logical, as I believe it is impossible for everyone except Jesus to love EVERYONE as his own brother. Although that would be a great concept, I just think it impossible to do so.
Now, how DO you love someone 'as your brother'. As you know, my younger (not youngest) brother was murdered by his best friend over a girl (who he also murdered) when he was 50 years old. I loved my brother, yet after heading off to college, then the Army, then to another career, we didn't see too much of each other. Our 'love' was probably never spoken. We had great times together growing up (through high school), but spent so little time with each other afterward. I didn't realize I much I DID love my brother until he was gone. I don't believe I EVER told him I loved him. So, what kind of love IS brotherly love, talked about here by the Hebrews author? It's not a sexual love; it's probably not even a 'affectionate' love. Is it like the love you have for your children? Probably not....I believe there is a differenct. What IS brotherly love? And how do you love someone like you'd love your own flesh and blood? Just some questions to mull over as you think about love you have for your siblings (if you have any). I sisterly love the same? Well, I'll leave you to think about that today, and in church, look around and see all your "Christian brothers"...do you love each one the same?
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Rik...that's IT? No insight to share with your brothers today to help them?
Where are all the rest of 'us'?
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