Brotherly Kindness - The Sixth Christian Grace   2 Peter 1.7

Introduction:
   1. Brotherly kindness closely attends brotherly love.
   2. May be translated “love of the brethren.”
   3. Might consider love the cause and kindness the effect.
   4. Some statements on brotherly love; John 13:34-35; 1 Pet. 1:22;
      1 John 4:21

I. Brotherly kindness commanded:
   A. Here by Peter and in 1 Peter 2:17
   B. By Paul. Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12

II. How it is shown:

   A. Through conversation:
       1. Law of kindness may be in tongue. Prov. 31:26
       2. Must be careful how we speak to brethren. Mt. 5:22

   B. Through sympathy: 1 Cor. 12:25, 26; Gal. 6:2

   C. Through helping the needy: Gal. 6:10; Titus 3:8; Jas. 2:15;
       1 John 3:17-23

   D. By restoring those who sin:
       1. Our true friends will help us see our own faults. Matt. 18:15
       2. To show interest in restoring one is kindness. Jas. 5:19-20
       3. Must be done in meekness. Gal. 6:1

   E. By forgiving:
       1. Parable of unmerciful debtor. Mt. 18:23f
       2. Must forgive as God forgave. Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12
       3. Must forgive as often as asked. Lk. 17:3-4; Mt. 18:21, 22

   F. By practicing golden rule: Matthew 7:12
       1. Not a negative, but positive command — must do something!
       2. To understand what it means, change places with the other.

   G. By respecting conscience of others: 1 Cor. 8:9; Rom. 14:13

   H. By preferring each other: Rom. 12:15

Conclusion:
   1. To oppress the poor is to reproach God. Prov. 14:31
   2. We sin against Christ when we sin against brethren: 1 Cor. 8:12
   3. Our actions toward them will meet us at judgment. Matt. 25:31-46