Brotherly Love

Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:1

If you have children you know how frustrating it can be when they fight with each other. My boys are no exception. In fact, since they are homeschooled and never really get a break from each other, they fight pretty frequently. I haven't mastered it yet, but I do try to use these opportunities to explain to them how important it is for them to see past their differences and get along. When they fight and argue it creates tension in the whole family. It can be seen in everyone. Agitation sets in and tempers flare up...it can be an ugly sight to see and we've all been there. So how do we deal with strife and tension in ANY relationship situation?

Let's look at a couple verses from God's Word that point us in the right direction....

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another.
Romans 12:10

The phrase that really jumps out at me in this verse is "preferring one another". It is not in our nature to prefer others. We are a selfish people. The only way we can prefer others is to work at it. When a situation arises where someone does or says something we don't like or don't agree with, our first response is RARELY to prefer them, but that is just what we are to do. So we have to stop and make a choice....will I let this person "get to me" or will I get past our differences and do what God commands....be kindly affectioned with brotherly love preferring this person.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:3

In this verse, the phrase that really hits me is "in lowliness of mind". Again, God is speaking to us of humility and selflessness, putting others first. Christ was humble and esteemed others better than himself. He is our perfect example. So the next time I get agitated by someone in my family, at church or elsewhere, my response needs to reflect brotherly love--a humble spirit, a selfless heart.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me how you want me to respond when tensions arise in my relationships. Help me to be ever mindful of Jesus' example of humility and selflessness. Give me the wisdom and strength to respond correctly in these situations so that YOU might be glorified. I pray this in Jesus precious name, AMEN.