Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Brotherly Love.

Hebrews 13v1 “Keep on loving each other as brothers.” (NIV)

While sin and other issues can get in the way, in most families there is an affinity between siblings that runs deep. There are the shared parents, a high level of commonality in genetic make up, common experiences, and a lot of time spent together. This means that there is a desire for the well-being of the other, a desire to help when issues arise, and a priority to continue to relate together.

“Love” in the New Testament, is most often a translation of the Greek word “agape” which means a sacrificial love. However, on five occasions in the New Testament, the Greek word “philadelphia” is used which is translated “love as brothers” or “brotherly kindness”. The word is applied to the love within the church family based on our common spiritual heritage, journey and destination. The love derives from our common parent in God the Father, our common rescuer in Jesus the Son, and our common enabler in the Holy Spirit.

This strong spiritual affinity in Christ naturally leads to a love, care and kindness for one another.

This applies not only within a particular church family, but also to those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ across the world. The writer expands on what this love means as he continues, “Do not forget to entertain strangers … Remember those in prison … and those who are ill -treated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13v2-3 This would most naturally relate to those who are brothers and sisters in Christ who are visiting or who are suffering.

Through BREADTrust, many of us are familiar with Igor, who leads churches and humanitarian effort in Ukraine. He send a message yesterday evening which summarises much of what we see in the news, but is fed to us personally as brothers and sisters. Let’s continue to remember, pray and support in practical ways those who are so suffering at this time.

With love and blessing,

Roland