Brotherly Love
E. Blencowe, M.A., Bp. Beveridge. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; I. IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE IN SOME MEASURE KINDLY AFFECTIONED ONE TO THE OTHER, WITHOUT HAVING THAT LOVE OF WHICH THE APOSTLE SPEAKS. There is a natural affection in man's heart — the love of parents and children, brothers and sisters. This affection may often be seen strongly in those who are strangers to true religion. II. HOW GREATLY IS THIS AFFECTION EXALTED WHEN GRAFTED WITH A HIGHER PRINCIPLE OF CHRISTIAN LOVE. The grace of God does not destroy natural affection, but increases and purifies. 1. It springs from higher and purer motives — from love to God and a sincere endeavour to obey the command of Christ, that "we should love one another." 2. It aims at higher ends — the glory of God, and the spiritual good of those we love. 3. It gives more entire confidence one with another. 4. It is more certain, more steady. 5. It spreads wide. While it seeks first the happiness of those most near and dear, it embraces also all who are of the household of faith. III. THE WAYS IN WHICH THIS AFFECTION WILT SHOW ITSELF. 1. In the honourable preference of one another; in lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than ourselves. 2. In a constant kindness, obligingness, and courteousness; teaching us to avoid everything which is grating and painful to the feelings of others. 3. In bearing and forbearing much, and in readily forgiving. 4. In giving faithful counsel, and, if need be, faithful reproof to others. 5. In praying for others. IV. SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES, to practise it. 1. Joseph. 2. Jonathan for David. (E. Blencowe, M.A.) In honour preferring one another. — I. THE HONOUR DONE TO OTHERS. 1. An acknowledgment of what is excellent in others. (1) Authority (1 Peter 2:17). (2) Superiority. (3) Virtue (Proverbs 12:26). 2. Expressed by outward signs (Genesis 42:6; Acts 26:25). II. HOW ARE WE TO PREFER ONE BEFORE ANOTHER? 1. By having modest thoughts of ourselves (Proverbs 26:12). 2. By having a just esteem of others' excellencies (1 Peter 2:17). 3. By accounting all others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3; Isaiah 65:5). III. WHY SHOULD WE DO SO? It will — 1. Preserve peace. 2. Avoid confusion. 3. Manifest ourselves Christians. (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; WEB: In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;