Brothers
Big brothers, babe brothers, blood brothers - all imply a relationship
characterized by warmth and similarity of character. Brother can refer
to to both natural brothers and "brothers in Christ" (fellow
believers). Jesus Christ said that everyone who does the will of God is
his brother. Though Jesus is our God, we enter a fraternal relationship
with him when we become children of God. Although that does not make us
equal with him, Christ is not ashamed to call us his brother or sister.
Christians,
as children of God, are spiritual brothers and sisters, called to care
for each other. Jesus Christ instructed his disciples to love their brothers
and sisters in Christ as they love themselves. The Bible instructs us
to lovingly confront a Christian brother who is sinning.
Whoever obeys
God is a spiritual brother or sister of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 12:49-50
Hebrews 2:11-13
Christians should love their spiritual brothers and sisters.
Matthew 18:15
Luke 17:3
Romans 14:13
1 Corinthians 8:12
Hebrews 13:1
James 4:11
1 Peter 1:22; 3:8
1 John 4:20-21
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