Sharing Our Love

Peter gives some encouraging words in 1 Peter 3:8 when he says, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.”

The phrase “love as brothers” literally means, “loving the brothers” or could be stated ‘brother lovers.’ Have you loved a brother or sister lately?

How? What can I do to love someone? Having preached in several congregations in this country and visited several others in foreign countries, I am convinced that there is a great amount of love in the church - both worldwide and right here in our Dewey Family. I also feel, however, that we find it difficult to express that love on a personal basis at times. I would like to suggest a way that almost anyone can express love toward a brother or sister in Christ. Invite someone into your home. Many of those who are older can remember that this was a common occurrence in past generations.

I’ve heard many ‘reasons’ why people don’t do this. Some are: “My house isn’t large enough”
or “I don’t cook really well” or “I’m a widow (or widower)” or “We’re old (or young)” or “Our jobs have crazy hours” or “Nobody would want to come to our house”…

Stop and think about why you haven’t invited someone to your home. Maybe you just haven’t thought about it. Maybe it’s because of some of the reasons I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Remember this - It isn’t your house you are sharing; it is your HEART and HOME.

It appears to be pretty much of a fact that if new Christians do not become closely associated with at least six other families or individuals in the church soon after their baptism, they have a tendency to fall away. That doesn’t mean a handshake and a smile. It means friendship and fellowship. We are our brother’s keeper! And it goes beyond our ‘Welcome To The Body” ministry. It builds on individual concern for each other and a desire to be family. It also teaches the younger generation that the church family is truly as important as any other activity in our lives. Let us not become so busy with all sorts of other interests that we have no time for each other.

Let me encourage each of us to try something. Invite someone you don’t know very well in the church to come to your home. It doesn’t have to be for a meal. Don’t wait for a visit. Invite a visitor. Have “love for the brothers.”

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony