A Jot from John
Brotherly kindness, like mercy, is blessed two-fold. It creates a happy, wholesome attitude in two directions. If one is kind, he engenders kindness in others. The man who is noted for kindness to his brethren is not easily shaken. He does not lose faith in his fellow man as quickly as one drawn within himself; nor is he hurt as easily. Resentment is difficult for the man who spreads kindness among others. Brotherly kindness tends to make us calm and poised. A misstep will capsize a canoe, not so an ocean liner. Brotherly kindness is a spiritual and mental gyroscope by which we can sail through the most turbulent seas. If we possess this virtue happiness is assured “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim. 6:6).
Several decades ago a picture appeared in a national magazine which struck a responsive chord everywhere. A little boy was pictured carrying an even smaller boy. It was captioned, “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother.” If brotherhood, as defined by Webster is “a relation as between brothers,” them brotherly kindness is this relationship in action.
In listing attributes of the true follower of Christ (2 Pet. 1:5-7), the apostle includes brotherly kindness. The Bible abounds in references to brotherly kindness as does the literature of the world The fact that the rule, whereby kindness and devotion can be expected among brethren, is sometimes violated, in no ways alters the rule.
The alien judges the church by the way its members treat one another: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35). Sometimes our actions are considerably louder than our words. A man who speaks platitudes and even quotes scripture is regarded as mean and unchristian if he mistreats his brethren and friends. In like manner, if a woman dresses immodestly (and her name is legion today) she is regarded as immodest even though she may carry a Bible and attend worship regularly. Too, the evil and harsh-speaking Christian is poor advertising for the church. The words of the wise man are as apt today as when first uttered: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Pro. 25:11). We have no right to give the enemy “an occasion to blaspheme.” (2 Sam. 12:14).
Brotherly kindness opens the door to achievement. Christianity is not something to be worked out in the quiet and serenity of a monastery or cave. The word of God is for the people, all people. Jesus’ servants must take his word to the people (Matt. 28:19-20). A man may be a pagan alone, but he cannot be a Christian alone.”
Brotherly kindness is commanded. This includes treatment of preacher for preacher, elder for elder, deacon for deacon, congregation for officers and preacher, and vice versa, men and women, young and old. Commands are to be obeyed, implicitly. So long as hatred, strife, wrath, envying and such like are encountered in the church, just so long will brotherly kindness be crowded out.
John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
