Second Epistle of Peter
BROTHERLY KINDNESS AND LOVE
Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 1:7 (KJV)
In this verse we have the two last excellences in the chain which we are to add in our faith. They are "brother kindness" and "charity." The Revised Version invariably translates "charity" as "love." The word translated into two words "brotherly kindness" is philadelphia in the Greek. This is usually translated as "brotherly love" (Heb. 13:1; 1
Thess. 4:9). So we could read our verse this way, "And to godliness brotherly love, and to brotherly love love." This is a strange expression in our language. There are two different Greek words which are translated "love" and our English Bible makes no attempt to distinguish between them. One is phileo and the other agape. The first denotes love or affection because of some natural tie, but the second speaks of love in a social and moral sense, which goes out to all humans. It is not too difficult to love those with whom we associate and to whom we are bound in some way, but it takes a grander and nobler nature to manifest true love to others. Whenever we read of the love of God the word agape is used, thus speaking of love in this grander, broader way. Often Christians are exhorted to love in this same broad, God-like way.
In a number of other places we have both of these words used in the one verse. This is true in 1 Peter 1:22, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love [phileo] of the brethren, see that ye love [agape], one another with a pure heart fervently." The Christians loved one another in this natural, brotherly way, but the apostle desired that they love in this broader and greater sense, which would cause them to be Christ-like in their willingness to sacrifice for one another. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9, we have exactly the same two words as in our verse, "But as touching brotherly love [philadelphia] ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love [agape] one another." We could wish that the English language had two distinctive words to express these two different words, as had the Greek.
"to godliness brotherly kindness"
Some profess to love the Lord and to be godly Christians, yet do not show much brotherly kindness. It is inconsistent to profess piety and yet to continually needle other Christians. Some are icy and cold toward those who belong to Christ, yet appear very warm toward the Lord. In our godliness let there also be brotherly kindness. In fact, true godliness cannot help but foster love toward the people of God. If one is sullen and surly, instead of kind, considerate, and loving, we may well question his godliness. Of course, brotherly love must not go so far as to condone evil in a brother, i.e., gloss over sin. Godliness and brotherly kindness must go hand in hand.
We are exhorted to demonstrate brotherly kindness or love in many places in the Word. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" (Rom. 12:10). "Love the brotherhood" (1 Pet. 2:17). "Love as brethren" (1 Pet. 3:8). If we love the Lord it is natural to love those who are His for we have much in common. We have the same salvation, the same Father, the same Savior, the same nature, the same destination, and the same inheritance. The nearer each of us gets to Christ, the nearer we will be to each other. This brotherhood is a real union; because we are all linked to Christ, we are all linked to each other.
Man by nature is selfish and does not care for anyone but himself. When he is brought to know Christ and receives a new nature, this old spirit of selfishness should go. We must not let differences of education, position, character, ability, nationality, or race, hinder brotherly kindness to all Christians. "One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren" (Matt. 23:8). Differences of opinion and contending for what is thought to be the truth, is often a great hindrance to brotherly love. A spirit of sect or party can be disastrous. We can show brotherly kindness even though there is not complete agreement in all matters of opinion. Remember, it was Cain who asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9). A Christian should always seek to help and serve his brethren and not forget to pray for them.
All the graces of verses 5 to 7 are pictured as our responsibility to develop. It is our responsibility to not only develop courage, knowledge, self-control, patience, and godliness, but also brotherly love. Instead of noticing every little fault in our brethren, instead of jumping on a brother because of a difference of opinion, chiding, and condemning, let us seek to serve them and soon love will increase, too. If the world could see more true brotherly love among Christians, no doubt it would be easier to win more for the Lord Jesus.
"to brotherly kindness charity"
As we have noticed, "charity" is invariably translated "love" in the Revised Version. We also noted that it is a different word in the Greek from the one used in connection with brotherly love. It is agape rather than phileo. Agape is the one almost always used when speaking of the love of God. It is love that goes out to all alike, related or unrelated, friend or foe. We should have a peculiar love toward the Christians, but because of the love of Christ flooding our souls, our love should go out to all mankind. Agape is not so much a love of personal attachment, but a love which seeks the welfare of its object, even though there is no personal attachment. It is doing good to others for no good reason in themselves. In other words, it is demonstrating the love of God. There is no English word which suitably describes it.
We must not stop with brotherly love; we must go on to love. Brethren in the flesh may demonstrate brotherly love, but not be men of love. Many fraternal orders pride themselves in their brotherly love, but that does not mean that they are men of love. Beloved, we should have sincere affection for those in our immediate Christian circle, but let us be real men and women of Christ whose hearts go out to all Christians, and to all men. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).
In 1 John 4:8 we read, "God is love." In what way has this, and is this, being shown? It is shown every day in nature. The Lord makes His sun to shine and rain to fall on the just and unjust. In this respect, His love is as impartial as the sun's rays, which shine on man's filthy dumps as well as the beautiful gardens. His great love for all mankind is truly demonstrated in the giving of His Son. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). He not only gave His Son to live in this world, but He gave Him up to die in our place. While His love goes out to all mankind, He loves His own in Christ in a special way.
1 Corinthians 13 tells us the kind of Christians we will be if this divine love rules within us. In verse 4 we read, "Charity suffereth long and is kind." No matter how badly we may be treated, we will take it uncomplainingly, without any thought of revenge and we will not be unkind in return. Verse 4 also says, "Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."
True love is not filled with pride and will not push self or boasting forward. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says charity, "doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." Unseemly means in an unbecoming manner or indecent way. One with true love is not always seeking his own welfare, but has the interests of others at heart. Some are easily upset and angered, but such actions are not motivated by divine love. Let us not be counted among those who always think the worst of others; if we love we will always want to think the best. Verses 6 and 7 add other things which love does; "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things." Finally, in verse 8, it says that charity, or this divine love, never fails. Are these wonderful excellences truly yours? Is this divine love manifest in all our words and actions? If not, we have not attained to the height to which the Lord desires us to rise.
Charity is more than almsgiving, but it surely includes giving. God is a great giver and if we are to manifest His love we will be givers, too. We will give to, i.e., take care of, widows and orphans as well as the poor, as through the Holy Spirit James clearly states when defining "pure religion". We will give liberally, cheerfully, but discreetly. It’s an old saying, but true: "Giving is not giving unless it involves some sacrifice."
This kind of divine love leads us to aid all people by: being willing and able to lead those who ask about our eternal hope to the Gospel; strengthening the weak; bringing back the wanderer; and encouraging everyone we can.
1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us that this charity or Christ-like love is the greatest thing in the world, even greater than faith and hope. It is the highest pinnacle on the ladder of grace; the crown of Christian excellences – the roof of a spiritual house. In Colossians 3:14 Paul says, "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Peter says a very similar thing, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins" (1 Pet. 4:8). Have we attained to this uppermost rung, which the Lord esteems so important?
Most agree that this love is something we should try to cultivate and is certainly desirable, but stop short of saying it is commanded. Consider the following: The Lord Jesus says, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:34); Paul says, "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart" (1 Tim. 1:5); John says, "And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also" (1 John 4:21). Is it possible to become a disobedient child by failing to have this kind of love?
The first fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal. 5:22). If this first fruit is not manifested in some degree, can the Spirit abide within? We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren (1 John 3:14). This love is also proof to the unsaved that we are true children of God. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16).
Like all the other excellences, love springs out of faith. If faith is strong, love for the Lord and love for our fellow man will be strong. Every virtue in this chain springs out of faith and should tend toward love. Faith – the foundation; love – the culmination. Faith is the fountain but love should be the stream which flows from it. Love should bring tenderness to courage, humility to knowledge, beauty to self-control, tenderness to patience, and sweetness to godliness. Like an apple bending down with an abundance of fruit. Are we bowed down, laden with love and kindred fruits of faith? The Lord would love to see every one of these wonderful links in this chain of graces in each of His children.
