Be Determined to "Let Your Brotherly Love "Continue"!

HOW CAN WE LET OUR BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE?

Despite the number of problems we face, how can we make sure that we let our brotherly love continue?  In what ways can we prove that we have this type of affection for our brothers?  After stating,"let your brotherly love continue," the apostle Paul lists several ways that Christians can do this. Let us now examine six of them.  

"Do not forget hospitality." (Read Hebrews 13:2) The original-language expression translated "hospitality" means "kindness to strangers."  This phrase may remind us of the examples of Abraham and Lot. Both men showed kindness to visitors whom they did not know. These visitors turned out to be angels.  (Genesis 18:2-5; 19:1-3)  Paul alludes to these examples in order to; encourage the Hebrew Christians to show brotherly love by being hospitable. 

Do we extend hospitality to others by inviting them to our home for a meal or for some association and encouragement?  We would not need to make elaborate or expensive arrangements to be considered hospitable; nor would we want to invite only those who might  repay us in some way.  (Luke 10:42; 14:12-14) Our goal should be  to encourage, not to impress! Even though we may not know our circuit overseer and his wife very well,  do we eagerly show them hospitality?  (3 John 5-8) With our busy schedules as well as the stresses of daily living, how important it is that we "do not forget hospitality"! 

"Keep in mind those in prison."  (Read Hebrews 13:3)  Paul was not here referring to just any type of prisoner. He was speaking  about those brothers who were imprisoned for their faith.  Paul himself had been in prison bond for some four years by the time he penned those words to the Hebrew Christians.  (Philippians 1:12-14)  He commended the brothers for having "expressed sympathy for those in prison."  (Hebrews 10:34) Unlike the ones who personally assisted Paul while he was in prison, those Hebrew Christians  were physically separated from Paul. So how could they keep him in mind?  They could do so by their fervent prayers in his behalf. -Hebrews 13:18, 19.  

Next time: Be Determined to "Let Your Brotherly Love "Continue"! -Continue with HOW CAN WE LET OUR BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE?

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