The Christian strives to keep God foremost in the heart. The love one demonstrates for God is cultivated in the inner person and reflects our spiritual growth. The need to grow begins at the moment that one becomes a Christian starting with Bible study as we place the word in our heart and act on it. This involves everything that one thinks, feels and does in this life. Spiritual development, however, needs direction. In this chapter we will discuss the guidance that leads to development of the character that will be pleasing to God. Difficulties associated with this that may arise will also be dealt with in a later chapter.
One who accepts God’s commands and is obedient to them will be challenged with the differences between the worldly mind and the spiritual. Sometimes, before God’s word takes root in the heart, one may have a tendency to resume habits and mannerisms held prior to obeying the Gospel. There is a need for transformation in one’s life toward God and others in the world, both Christians and unbelievers alike. The tendency to take on the manner of the world, or to hold on to part of it, after one’s obedience is a matter of conformity rather than transformation.
Paul discusses this problem in his writing to the Romans. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12.1-2). There are a number of interesting things brought out in this passage.
Paul reminds them of the mercies of God. The Romans, through their obedience to the Gospel, had been forgiven of their sins. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6.3-4). For this reason they needed to present their bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12.1-2). The old person was taken away by God when they obeyed the gospel. Putting away the old life is compared to a death by Paul, to be followed by the “newness” of life.
“Newness” of life is characterized by renewal or regeneration of the inner being. Paul states, “...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12.2). As was pointed out in the last chapter, the renewal of the mind, or heart, comes about when one embraces the word of God and adheres to it. Faithfulness, or obedience to God’s commands, strengthens one spiritually as we allow God’s word to dominate how we think and behave. This also necessarily involves love and a deepening appreciation for God and His word as one submits to His authority. There is a need however to know what we are trying to become. It does not help to just memorize Bible verses, quote scripture, or teach others, if we have not applied them to our own lives. The scriptures define the personal application we need to practice.
Peter gives us a picture of what a Christian needs to be. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance;and to temperance patience; and to patience; godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” (2 Peter 1.4-10).
Peter provides a wealth of information in this passage about how we need to live. He provides a starting point which is the faith. That faith is found in the promises and commands of God which in turn are found in His word. Peter then presents a progressive process of changing, or becoming what we need to be. He lists characteristics we should actively bring about in our life. We are to “add” these attitudes to our thinking and behavior indicating that there is work the individual needs to do. We are then given an incentive for accomplishing these things by remembering what God has done for us. Peter sums up the description by showing the end result of these pursuits stating if we do them we shall “never fall”. We will sin at times but we have a blueprint for a life that will be pleasing to God which provides an avenue for forgiveness when we fall short.
The attributes that are pleasing to God, as given by Peter, are faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity, or love. We will look at each of these in detail in order to gain a more precise meaning of what these characteristics entail. Understanding what is expected of us enables us to make informed choices and adjustments in how we conduct ourselves privately and publicly. Until we apply ourselves to understand the nature of a Christian’s life we will never fully become what God wants us to be. This goal is important for a number of reasons.
One of the greatest reasons for focusing on these attributes, and working diligently to acquire them, is for the benefit of others. The writer of Hebrews rebuked the Hebrew Christians for their lack of ability to teach those around them (Hebrews 5.12-14). Peter stated that individuals developing the above traits would not be barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. It is for the sake of others that we practice what we preach. It is not our image in the world that stands to suffer, it is God’s, when we profess to be godly but fail to live accordingly.
Placing our attention on God’s word reminds us that we were separated from God. Working to achieve the above characteristics enables us to appreciate the struggle others go through when they are presented with the truth. Humility is the result of submission to God which in turn changes our attitude toward the lost. Instead of preaching at others we are able to teach, not only by mouth, but by example, in all that we do. James comments on this in his epistle. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1.22-25).
The epistle written by James deals with the state of the inner being. When the eye is turned inward, one is able to look at the good and bad that rests in each of us. By continuing in the faith we may put away those things that are not acceptable to God and take on attributes that are. Teaching others begins with teaching ourselves, or more precisely, being taught by the word of God. By experiencing the struggles that come from giving up our will in favor of God’s allows us to become more tolerant of those who perhaps do not change fast enough to suit our expectations. Remembering God’s patience with all of mankind and individuals leads us to be more effective in many ways.
The first of the characteristics listed by Peter is that of faith. We have already discussed this subject and so will only do a brief review here. Faith, in the life of one who is a Christian, needs to become a deep and abiding trust that God will do what He has said. The Old Testament, filled with scores of accounts of lives in the past, serves to teach us by way of example, both good and bad. By seeing how certain decisions affected individuals we may contrast our own lives with theirs. Doing this helps us choose actions that will be pleasing to God and also benefit those around us as we become a better example. Failure to act wisely will cause us to be lost as some were in the past.
True faith begins with the word of God. Paul states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10.17). What we believe about God makes no difference to our souls if our ideas are not firmly grounded in the scriptures. Such faith is a necessity if we are to be acceptable to the Lord. The writer of Hebrews states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11.6). If we claim to be a Christian but lack accurate knowledge and behavior, our life will be nothing more than an exercise in futility. There is benefit to serving God but we need to serve Him appropriately by doing what we find in the scriptures. The need for this type of attitude will be clearer as one becomes more spiritually minded. The only way to gain this however is to put the word to use in our own lives first which will then benefit others.
Peter tells us that we must add virtue to our faith. In usual terms this word brings forth many subjective definitions about what virtue is. Virtue may be defined as the adoption of a standard and the determination to hold to it. In a spiritual sense, virtue implies the excellence and strength of character coupled with a desire to please to God. This represents an inner strength, or courage, that refuses to compromise the standard in the face of opposition. Joshua demonstrates virtue in his address to the Israelites. “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24.14-15).
Notice that Joshua speaks of the need for faith in their fear of the Lord. He states that they need to adhere to the commands they had received by serving God in sincerity and truth. Each of these phrases point to the commands of God as a beginning followed by the need for consistent action in accordance with those instructions. Joshua emphasizes the need for sincerity and love for the Lord. He contrasts the end of those who worshiped other gods and the benefits of serving the Lord. The pagan deities of the Amorites did nothing to save them from God’s judgment at the hands of the Israelites and the gods of Egypt the Hebrews brought with them out of their bondage only angered the Lord.
Paul spoke of virtue to the Romans when he instructed them to “abhor that which is evil” (Romans 12.9) showing that virtue shapes our emotions and attitudes. One who desires to be pleasing to God will learn to dislike those things of the world that detract from God and His image and influence us to engage in sinful pursuits. Paul gave similar instructions to the Colossians. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3.1-2).
David demonstrates his resolve to adhere to God’s standard and notes the strength that results from this determination. The psalmist states, “I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 16.8). His decision to “set” the Lord before him at all times can be considered a functional definition of reverence for God and involves keeping one’s attention centered on spiritual things. There is also a realization that God is always present and will be with us if we are faithful. Peter reinforces this when he tells Christians to “... sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is within you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3.15). The ability to give an answer at all times indicates a spiritual mind ready to provide direction when questioned by others about why we are Christians. These Situations remind us that others know what we are and how we live and the example we display needs to be a godly one.
Following this is the characteristic of knowledge. Knowledge has already been implied in the above discussion of virtue, but here, Peter indicates there is more. The knowledge Christians need to develop is a close and intimate acquaintance with the scriptures. This only comes about through continual study and application. This is the type of knowledge that shows in the manner in which we live. Hearing the gospel, and the ability to quote or use passages, is only the beginning. Experience must be gained in their application so that the word of God is handled correctly. Peter indicates that there is a practical side to the knowledge one has, and that is the ability to use, and not abuse it.
The diligent search for the knowledge of God can be seen in the Psalms. “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is...” (Psalm 63.1). Only those who seek God through His word can claim Him as theirs. The soul is in need of God’s word and can only be renewed by incorporating it into our lives. The language of the Psalm indicates that the search for God through His word is an active one. One cannot passively allow others to study or learn for them. Each of us must work to gain this for ourselves. The knowledge of God involves the whole of our being as stated in the Psalm as well. The references to the body and soul unites both in the struggle to please God.
Other passages denote the active nature of the search for spiritual knowledge. The Psalms describe this in a number of places. “I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord, I will keep thy statutes. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.” (Psalm 119.145-146). David presented his plea to the Lord with his “whole heart”. His emotions were involved in this as we find that he “cried unto” the Lord. David’s life was troubled as a result of his own sin, and yet, in spite of that, he chose to keep God’s law. A deliberate action is indicated in the statements, “I will keep thy statutes” and “I will keep thy testimonies”. One cannot keep that which one does not know. We must strive to learn what is acceptable to God and keep those things in the mind, or heart, devoting the whole of our being to them. This involves knowledge and a renewal of the resolve to live by God’s truths.
Knowledge is the subject under consideration in the book of Colossians. The Christians at Colossi had been assaulted by the intrusion of false teaching that conflicted with the word that had been preached to them. Paul instructs them to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...” (Colossians 3.16). Wisdom may be defined as the correct use of our knowledge. This comes about by continual study and application of spiritual principles to ourselves first. The Bereans are an example of the need to continually evaluate what one is told with what the scriptures actually say. The Bereans were described as more diligent because they “...received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17.10-11).
An aspect of faith critical to our spiritual development is acceptance of the fact that God’s word is complete and has been preserved for us in a form that will provide the knowledge we need. Peter, noting this, states, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (2 Peter 1.3). The scriptures represent the revealed mind of God (1 Corinthians 2.7-12, 2 Timothy 3.16) and spiritual knowledge therefore needs to be gathered from that source. When one decides to do this our perspective of the world, our place in it and our attitude toward God changes. The perspective is spiritual and will benefit ourselves and others as we increase our ability to give an answer about the reasons for our beliefs.
Temperance is next in the list of characteristics Peter names and may be defined as “moderation in our thinking, actions and feeling” (Webster’s Ninth Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., Publishers, Springfield, Massachusetts). It implies consideration of a course of action before it is taken in any given situation. One who has made the decision to adhere to God’s standard and gained enough knowledge to guide one’s thinking, feeling and behavior is prepared to act in a temperate manner. Knowledge however is not enough. One must resolve to act in the best spiritual interests not only of oneself but of others.
Rehoboam is an example of someone who had enough knowledge to act wisely but chose a faulty course of action anyway (1 Kings 12.1-15). After taking the throne of Israel following Solomon’s death, Rehoboam consulted with the older and younger men concerning the manner in which he should reign. The older men counseled, “If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants forever.” (1 Kings 12.7).
Rehoboam forsook this good counsel and turned to the younger men who, lacking experience, told Rehoboam, “Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” (1 Kings 12.10-11).
Rehoboam demonstrated his essential character by leaving the good counsel of the older men behind. The older men knew the nation had grown tired under the oppressive reign of Solomon and needed a rest. The younger men, who had grown up with Rehoboam (1 Kings 12.10), had not experienced the burden of the country as the older men had and so gave faulty advice. As a result of this the people were divided. Ten tribes broke away from the house of David in rebellion. Such an attitude on the part of Rehoboam, in spite of good counsel, represents his hard heart and desire to be powerful rather than a friend and servant to the people whose trust and loyalty he needed.
Temperance involves setting selfish attitudes aside by weighing the extended consequences of our actions against the commands of God. Rehoboam’s pride and selfish interests led him to set aside better advice based on knowledge and experience for advice from those who knew too little. Desire for personal status and control are characteristics of a hateful attitude toward others. Attitudes such as this as this should not be part of the Christian’s life. Paul states, “If so be that ye have heard him, and been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath...” (Ephesians 4.21-26).
Paul refers to guidance based on knowledge of God’s word involving action. The action performed is to “put on the new man”. This implies a desire to please God with an attitude of doing what is best for others. Paul describes our connection with other people, and Christians specifically, in this context, when he notes, “...for we are members one of another.” Setting aside one’s personal interests, and remembering the struggle involved in changing one’s life, enables us to approach others with deliberation and care. One should develop an ability to address others without damaging them spiritually or otherwise. This does not mean we should not tell someone they are lost, committing sin or are wrong, but gives us a way to accomplish it.
James describes a temperate attitude in his instructions to Christians. His letter deals primarily with the inner man and offers valuable insights to one seeking to change their thinking and behavior. James states, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay aside all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness (overflow of wickedness, NKJV), and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1.19-21).
This passage speaks of several things that complement each other. One is the act of setting aside things that are not acceptable to God. This is accomplished when we “receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls.” (James 1.21). He forms a contrast between the wrath of man and the wrath of God. The wrath of man many times comes from a wounded sense of pride when one does not value others as they should. Anger such as this is unrighteous as James indicates when he states, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1.20). James indicates there is an element of change and restraint present when one respects God’s commands to value others. Paul states, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12.3).
Temperance leads us to the next characteristic which is that of patience. Patience is the ability to suspend the desire for immediate resolution of events and the willingness to set aside negative emotions that would impede this process. In spite of the hardships and struggles one may meet, patience is needed to endure. Christ spoke of this to His disciples. In the parable of the sower, Christ describes the general manner in which the gospel is received. Christ forms some contrasts which include the need for patience. Explaining the parable to His disciples, Christ stated, “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8.13-15).
Christ clarifies the dangers of entanglement in the things of this world. The root Christ speaks of is adherence to God’s word which, when acted upon, will lead one to be more spiritually productive in time. Christ describes this as the “honest and good heart” and is one which develops patience to weather the storms of temptation and trial. James tells us that many of the temptations we experience arise from within. James states, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1.13-14). Setting aside the knowledge that certain things are not pleasing to God is an attitude Rehoboam demonstrated when he rejected the counsel of the older men.
Patience involves a determination to do God’s will no matter what happens. Paul told Timothy, “Thou endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” (2 Timothy 2.3). The warfare one wages is against spiritual and physical influences that could separate us from God. Overcoming these requires patience and restraint against acting in a hasty or sinful fashion. This is not a simple task but one which will bring great spiritual benefits over time.
David speaks of determination in the face of temptation or hardship. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27.14). David’s life was filled with many trials but in spite of them he determined to remain faithful to God. Courage and determination are renewed in the heart when one continues to feed on the word of God (Matthew 4.4) which is the food of the soul. The Psalmist brings these elements together stating, “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” (Psalm 130.5). The hope Christians have rests on God’s promises, care and salvation. This passage shows that hope is tempered by a determination to “wait” on the Lord, defining patience as a characteristic of the faithful.
The patience Christians must develop includes the realization that God’s promises are not limited to this life. The writer of Hebrews, speaking of the faithful who have gone on before, tells of the hope and patience they demonstrated. “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11.39-40). Expecting immediate gratification for serving God causes frustration if one does not understand that what we strive for lies beyond our physical existence.
Peter brings us full circle with the next characteristic which is that of godliness. While one may decide to follow the standard of right as found in God’s word, develop an extensive knowledge of scripture, and become temperate and patient, there is a reminder that one needs to remember who one serves. Godliness represents a continued attitude and concentration on God as the one who must be pleased in our thoughts, feelings and actions. When one brings this fact to mind it is easier to work on developing the other characteristics. Godliness gives one a greater sense of purpose in serving God that goes beyond the idea of being morally sound.
Paul states that godliness provides a guide for the activities we pursue. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3.13-14). Paul describes a willingness to set aside anything that might detract from our spiritual development. This stresses the need for growth and resolve to persevere. We must always question whether we are doing everything God wants us to and that we are able to do. What we think is our best may not measure up to what we find in the scriptures.
Peter makes the same point in his first epistle. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation...” (1 Peter 1.13-15). Godliness includes courage and a desire to practice things promoting spiritual growth. The attitude of gaining knowledge and being strong are brought together as essential elements of a godly individual.
Peter describes the activities necessary to achieve this. One must put away things that are not pleasing to God through the knowledge gained from His word. Patience is also characterized as one of the ingredients of godliness when Peter states we must “hope to the end” indicating we will not reap the final reward for our efforts in this lifetime. John records Christ’s instructions to the Christians at Smyrna, stating, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2.10). Willingness to remain faithful, even if faced with death, requires a godly attitude and commitment to a higher purpose defined by the Lord.
Peter further details the expression of godliness in our lives when he states, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3.15). Continual respect and reverence for God identifies those who are faithful. The benefit here is not just for ourselves but also for those who may ask about what we believe and practice. This implies that we must live in such a way that a difference is noted in our lifestyle. Respect such as this requires an abiding trust in God and those things He has promised as indicated by the “hope” that lies within us. As stated earlier, the Christian is entrusted with the reputation of God, as those about us will see us and not the Lord. To tarnish the image of God does great injustice to Him for His mercy and love shown to all mankind.
Godliness in the life of the Christian is the refusal to set God aside at any time. By not holding His word in our minds it is possible to allow our weaknesses to flourish and grow to the point that we are overcome by them. This is what James speaks of when he states that one is enticed or drawn away by one’s own lusts (James 1.14). David demonstrates an attitude of godliness when he resolves, “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” (Psalm 119.15-16). It is God’s word that directs one to godly thinking and thus to godly actions.
David also describes the manner in which one lives who has an attitude of godliness. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1.1-2). The goal one needs to set in life in order to develop godliness is to bring every aspect of life in alignment with the law of God. A failure to do this causes one to replace God’s directives with human reasoning. God has not given us the option to set His will aside in this manner.
To godliness Peter tells us to add brotherly kindness. Christians are united by the doctrine of the New Testament. Paul states, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4.1-6).
Careful examination of this passage reveals the role patience plays in the lives of Christians. The habit of “going the extra mile” with others is another way of stating this. Paul reminds us that there is only one body of doctrine, the faith, that unites all who obey God. The singularity of the terms does not allow room for human prejudice and opinions need to be set aside in order to be pleasing to God. The reason for this is stated as keeping the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” The body of revealed knowledge, the truth of God, referred to as the faith, provides an objective foundation for unity.
Christ prayed for unity among those who would believe in Him through the apostles’ teaching. Christ stated, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all might be one; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17.20-21). Earlier, in the same prayer, Christ indicated that the teaching of the apostles contained the word of truth which came from God. Jesus requested, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17.17). After His resurrection Christ commanded the apostles, “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28.19-20).
The word of truth, properly respected in the lives of individual Christians, creates the type of unity Christ spoke of. In this manner Christians are united in purpose and identified by the doctrine of the Lord as it was revealed in the scriptures (1 Corinthians 2.9-10). No other doctrine or name beside that of Christ will bring one into the family of God (Acts 4.12). No matter how closely a man-made doctrine is to what the scriptures teach, God has not left room for deviation from His word.
Brotherly kindness begins with the faith that forms the bond of peace among those who hold to it. Realizing that Christ has died for each and every member of His body obligates one to act in a respectful manner toward all. Paul states, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another...” (Romans 12.10). The fact that the faith, or doctrine, of God is part of this is brought out by Paul when he states, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” (Romans 15.5-7).
The characteristic of brotherly kindness begins in the mind when one determines to live according to revealed truth. The truth, or faith, forms a common bond that unites Christians as a family with care and concern for the welfare of each other. This impacts our lives spiritually and physically manifesting as a change in our behavior and the decisions we make. The change is based on our knowledge of God’s word and takes on greater meaning when we put it into practice. James, speaking of this godly attitude, states, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2.14-17).
Paul makes a similar point in his letter to the Philippians. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2.3-4). Christians, understanding that they are the recipients of God’s love and blessings, seek to be please the Lord by developing genuine concern for others. This attitude needs to be expressed toward those who are Christians and nonbelievers as well. Paul clarifies this when he states, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them that are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6.10).
Spiritually, brotherly kindness leads us to watch out for other Christians and help them strengthen their faith. Paul states, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Romans 14.13). Paul is referring to matters of judgment which do not involve doctrinal error. Specifically, the question in this passage, deals with the eating of foods or observation of certain days. If these practices do not alter the doctrine of the Bible in one’s life, or do not involve sin, one person’s opinion is as good as another. Many conflicts can be avoided if matters of personal judgment are left in that realm and are not argued over in such a way as to cause another to sin against God. This is brotherly love.
Brotherly kindness includes identifying and assisting others in correcting error in their lives when they sin. James tells us, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5.19-20). This principle is evident in the Old Testament as well. Ezekiel records God’s warnings to those who were charged with watching over the spiritual welfare of their brethren. God stated, “When I say unto the wicked thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood shall I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.” (Ezekiel 3.18-19).
The way in which such a warning is to be given is a characteristic of one who is willing to demonstrate brotherly love. Paul states, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6.1-2). A key point to consider is our attitude toward others. Paul states that we should “...take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” (1 Corinthians 8.9). One must seek to correct others with the intent to help them restore their relationship with God. A self righteous attitude toward those who stumble is ungodly and represents a lack of love for the brethren. This failure also represents the fact that we have not considered ourselves by remembering our struggles in moments of weakness and what it takes to overcome them.
The last characteristic Peter lists is love. As can be seen in the discussion so far, each of these characteristics depend on one another and are inseparable. One who realizes this is on the way to developing a mature spiritual perspective. Love shows that we are the people of God and thus may influence and increase others interest in becoming a Christian. The type of love the Bible speaks of goes beyond the emotional feeling we usually associate with the term. Real love is different as defined in the scriptures. It is a characteristic that is objective and spiritual as well as emotional.
Paul gives a detailed description of what love entails. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13.4-7 NKJV). This description involves all aspects of humanity including the mind, attitudes, emotions and actions. Love therefore is a characteristic which leads us to seek the spiritual benefit of others through a number of actions that might include both the physical and spiritual. Love demands a willingness to set ourselves aside and develop a true regard for the welfare of others.
Other passages in the scriptures tell us to what extent we need to care for the brethren and others. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3.16). John states, “Beloved let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” (1 John 4.7). One who does not develop this characteristic will not be pleasing to God. Laying down one’s life in the first century, many times, meant physical death. In our present world this may mean sacrificing some of our attitudes and selfishness for the betterment of those around us.
Each of these characteristics brings us back to the faith that is the tie that binds us to one another and to Christ. The development of these attributes is the meaning of growing spiritually in the Lord. By doing these things we will never fall as Peter stated. Failure to develop these traits causes us to forget that we were lost and in need of correction. Christ died for each of us and that makes everyone special and important in His sight. Reverence for God means desiring to be the best we can be and living in accordance with His will.
Paul adds a note that serves well as a final statement on developing the character God wants us to have. He writes, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3.17). One must constantly and diligently examine oneself weighing one’s actions, thoughts and feelings against what we find in the scriptures. By doing this we develop a character that is pleasing to God and furthers the cause of Christ. This is our purpose as Christians, to reach those who are lost by the lives we lead.