RPG Adults
BROTHERLY LOVE IS KEEPING THE COMMANDMENT
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
1 John 2:8-11
Acts 16:27-34
“… he set meat before them, and rejoiced,
believing in God with all his house.”
BROTHERLY LOVE IS KEEPING THE COMMANDMENT
When a person is born again, everything becomes new. The change that occurs brings a fresh start. Learning to keep the commandments will be a new experience. Thus the Apostle said he was writing a “new commandment” (1 John 2:8), as termed by Jesus in John 13:34. Loving one another is exemplified in Jesus. It must also be in believers because the darkness is past and the new light now shines.
Many of us who were born again as adults will always have a testimony of that change. At that time we had child-like questions and as the light shone through we learned many new truths. Brotherly love is one of the first few lessons that are learnt. The initial interaction with other believers is most memorable. The Apostle said that this must be the case when we come to the light.
The conversion of the Philippian jailor in Acts 16:27-34 is a dramatic testimony. It showed the change that came with new life; brotherly love was instant. He was saved and he washed the wounds of the apostles and he was baptized. He had come out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. True light shone in his life.
The words of the Apostle described the change that occurs when one is born again. He said, “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him” (1 John 2:10). In other words brotherly love is expected of every believer as he abides in the light. Stumbling is yielding to temptation. When the works of the flesh are manifested in a believer’s life, it is a return to darkness and one does not know where he is going. Such occasions call for immediate repentance so as to sustain brotherly love. This is the Lord’s desire.
THOUGHT: The love for Christ builds brotherly love.
PRAYER: Lord, ever save me from occasions of stumbling.