Love for the brethren

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]…. “Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.”” Romans 12v4-5, 10 (AMP)

As a body of Christ, we are just that – a body; a body whereby each of the members needs the other part to function properly. In a sense, we are made for fellowship.  From the beginning, we see this with the Lord communing with Adam and then creating Eve to be a helpmeet for him, noting that it was not good for man to be alone. And so we need one another. We however also need to love one another, not just in words, but in deeds. 1 John 3v18-19 (TLB) saying “Little children, let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions. Then we will know for sure, by our actions, that we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.” If we look at the human body for example, we know that if one member suffers, we all suffer. 1 Corinthians 12v26-27 (TLB) says “If one part suffers, all parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.” The text goes on to tell about different parts God had placed in the church e.g. apostles, prophets, teachers e.t.c., and encourages us to “covet earnestly the best gifts” but ends with “and yet I shew unto you a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12v31, KJV). What is this way – love! 

Supplementary Text

“Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” 1 Peter 4v8 (AMP)

Prayer

Father we thank You for the body of Christ and the love we can have that show we are Your disciples. Thank You Father in Jesus name, amen.