Philadelphians
By
Shelby G. Floyd
In his second letter Peter said, “Add to your faith...brotherly
kindness.” (2 Peter 1:7).
The Definition of Brotherly Kindness
Brotherly kindness is translated from the Greek term philadelphian. It is made up of the word brother and kindness. It literally denotes the love and affection
that blood brothers have for each member of the family.
The Nature of Brotherly Kindness
The nature of brotherly kindness is such that it binds each person
together as a brotherly clan. Brotherly
kindness forms a bond of unbreakable union and unity of spirit. (Eph.
4:1-6). When we add brotherly kindness
to our faith we will hold affection and kindness for each other deeply and
dearly within our hearts. (Eph. 4:32).
With brotherly kindness we will nurture each other in the family of
God. Brotherly kindness will cause us to
show concern and encouragement and look after the welfare of each person in
God’s family. And brotherly kindness
will cause us to join hands with each other in our common purpose under our one
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Proof of Brotherly Kindness
What is the proof that we have added brotherly kindness to our
faith? When we have brotherly kindness
we bear evidence that we have passed from death to spiritual life. (1 John 3:14). When we take on brotherly kindness we prove
to ourselves and others that we have a true knowledge of God because God is
love. (1 John 4:7-8). When we demonstrate brotherly kindness we
also prove that we are true disciples of Jesus Christ. (John 13:34-35).
We are all philadelphians if we are devoted to one another with
brotherly love (Rom.