We have been examining a series of character qualities which we need to lavishly add to our Christian faith. Faithfulness in this endeavour will ensure that we are effective and productive Christians. Of course, it all too possible to fail to diligently add these qualities. In vrs 9 Peter spells out the implications for such failure. But if anyone does not have them, he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Such a person is spiritually sick, suffering from short-sightedness, blindness and amnesia. Someone who is blind cannot see at all, someone who is short-sighted cannot see what lies ahead, and someone who has forgotten cannot remember what lies behind him. This accurately described the false teachers that Peter is combatting. An inability to see the present results in a failure to understand God’s verdict on this corrupt world (1:4) and on the way of salvation (1:10). An inability to see into the future will leave us morally and religiously independent of God the Saviour. In 3:3, 4 Peter says; first of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” An inability to see the past will mean failure to perceive how we have cleansed from his past sins (1:9). To ensure we escape such spiritual sickness we need to add brotherly kindness to our faith.
“ADD TO YOUR GODLINESS . . . BROTHERLY KINDNESS”
The two English word “brotherly kindness” translate one Greek word, philadelphia. This Greek word was used to describe relationships within a biological family unit. The New Testament is the only place in Greek literature where this word is used to describe relationships outside of a physical family. A first century reader would have been shocked to see this word philadelphia used to describe the love that should prevail between fellow believers in the church. In Romans 12:10 Paul exhorts us to be devoted to one another in brotherly love (philadelphia). We commonly say that blood is thicker than water, but the Scriptures insist that relationships between fellow believers are stronger and more enduring than family bonds. If we are going to be fruitful Christians, we need to prayerfully consider the intensity of our affection for one another. In 1 Peter 1:22 Peter writes, now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers (philadelphia), love one another deeply, from the heart. In 1 Peter 3:8 he challenges us, finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers (philadelphia), be compassionate and humble. As Christians we should exhibit the same depth of loyalty in our relationships with fellow believers that already exist in family units. Quite challenging! In 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Paul encourages the Macedonian believers by saying, Now about brotherly love (philadelphia) we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. If we are to be effective in our Christian lives, we need to prayerfully reflect on how we can implement the challenge of Hebrews 13:1 keep on loving each other as brothers (philadelphia). The current lockdown measures have not been totally relaxed. Perhaps we should prayerfully seek creative ways in which we can demonstrate philadelphia towards one another.