Week 8: Brotherly Kindness
and to godliness, brotherly kindness… (2 Peter 1:7).
Theme
The theme of this week’s challenge is BROTHERLY KINDNESS
Origin of the Word
The term brotherly kindness comes from the Greek word philadelphia (pronunciation: fil-ad-el-fee'-ah).
φιλαδελφία
Definition:
love of brothers or sisters, brotherly love
in the NT the love which Christians cherish for each other as brethren
Mmmm…something smells quite delicious! I wonder what’s cooking? What could possibly fill the room with such a sweet fragrance?
Brotherly kindness, you say? Why, how does that taste?
Hello everyone and welcome back to week eight of the Summer Reading Challenge! Up to this point, Peter has given us five ingredients that we need to “add to our faith.” Now it’s time to add the final garnishes of virtue to our character—brotherly kindness and love. Today we’re going to talk about brotherly kindness.
The Greek word for brotherly kindness is philadelphia (not to be confused with the city in Pennsylvania!). Philadelphia is the sum of two words: phílos (loving friend) + adelphós (brother)—hence the term brotherly kindness, or brotherly love. Now, this word is only mentioned six times in the New Testament, but its message is found throughout the Bible.
Before we get too deep in this great study, you need to know that this particular virtue, brotherly kindness, is one of the hardest to practice. In fact, it is impossible to show brotherly kindness to everyone. Then, how are we supposed to do the impossible? Well, we’re going to need a head chef, of course! Thankfully, God has given us all the directions for this recipe. You ready? Let’s get cooking!
Step One — Consider Others as Better Than Yourselves
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Woah! Hold your horse-radishes! Let’s read that one more time. “Consider others as better than yourself.” What does that look like? Well, maybe it’s giving someone else the “prime” piece of cake (you know, the really big slice with the creamy frosting). Or, maybe it’s something harder, like taking the time to talk with someone you don’t really like, but who might need love and encouragement. If you really want to level up, pray for those who haven’t been nice to you. Luke 6:27 says,
“Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
As you begin to partner with God (you’re going to need his help!), you’ll begin to notice that there are opportunities to practice brotherly love at some of the most unexpected times with some of the most unexpected people.
Step Two — Outdoing each other in Honor
Every year at Lamplighter we have our annual pancake competition, in which we all try to “out do” one another in our pancake-making skills. Who has the best toppings, the most creative flavors, the fluffiest pancakes?! While winning is definitely an exciting reward, my favorite moments are always the good fellowship, delicious and creative breakfasts, and fun memories we all share!
In a similar way, we should strive to outdo one another in showing brotherly love (Romans 12:10) and “be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1), always looking out for opportunities to be kind to others and lift them up. We should avoid “stirring the pot” with arguments, gossip, and meaningless or silly talk. Instead, we should try to say something good about other people when they’re not around. You might be delighted to see what a beautiful( and delicious) world will come as a result!
Step Three — Bearing One Another’s Burdens
Ahhhhh! Heavy pot! Can you help me carry this?
Brotherly kindness means bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). This means taking time to listen when others need to talk and backing them up in prayer when they are going through hard times. It also means looking for ways to serve others whenever you can, no matter what it might cost you personally.
At this point, you may be thinking, “That’s a pretty hard recipe to follow!” If you’re wondering if it’s worth all the trouble, consider this. When we show brotherly kindness, it is attractive—it makes others want to know the God we love and serve. When others see that we love, respect, lift up, and genuinely care for them, we become, according to the Apostle Paul, victorious and carry the “fragrance of the knowledge of [Jesus] everywhere” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Wow, did you hear that?! What does that even mean?
Back in Ancient times, when a Roman General came back from war victorious, he would receive a grand reception. A costly and very aromatic oil would be poured upon the general’s head, and he would ride through the streets in a grand parade. Everywhere he went the aromatic oil would leave a lingering scent.
In the same way, when you and I are close to Jesus we carry the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere. One of the ways we can show that we are close to Jesus is through brotherly kindness. What a beautiful way to live!
With this in mind, “let brotherly love continue!” (Hebrews 13:1)
Bon appetit!
Rainey
Weekly Bible Memory (You can use whatever version of the Bible you prefer): 25 points per passage - additional passages may be memorized for 25 points each (up to 3 verses constitutes a passage)
Ages 6-10
“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1).
Ages 10-13
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).
Ages 14+
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13).
Weekly Bible Reading/Book: 5 points per chapter read - any chapter of the Bible may be read anytime during the challenge for 5 points each.
1 John
Reading List for Brotherly Kindness: * 1 point per page read - any Lamplighter book/Lamplighter resource book/non-fiction [biography, spiritual growth, informational] may be ready anytime throughout the challenge 1 point per page.
Ages 6-11
Ages 9-14
Ages 12+
Overtaken: The Wild Lad of London
*You may read any Lamplighter book at any time throughout the challenge. This list is only recommendations that go along with this week’s theme.
Creative Assignment: A Love Feast (25 points)
One way that the early church members cultivated fellowship and brotherly kindness was through sharing meals together (also called a love feast), in which they would gather together to celebrate all that God was doing in their lives. Your assignment this week is to cook a meal (by yourself or as a team) to share with family and/or friends. This is your time to serve and bless your family and friends, so make sure that everyone else has food before your partake of the meal, mind your manners, and clean up the dishes when you are done. To make it even more special you can even turn out the lights and use candles for lighting instead. Decorate the table with flowers or play special music while you eat. And don’t forget to share testimonies of what God is doing in your life!
Practical Assignment: Keep Your Eyes Peeled (50 points)
There is always a good work to do if you just open your eyes to see. This week, keep your eyes peeled to see if there is one person that you can help out. This could be doing their chore for them, dropping off food at their door, sending an encouraging note, or volunteering at your church, etc. And remember that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Additional Resources on Brotherly Kindness: (Blog Posts; Podcasts) 5 points for each recommended blog read/podcast listened to.
Blog - Giant Killer Series—Giant Hate
Blog - Loving and Sympathetic Friends
Podcast - Friend or Foe—Teddy’s Button Special Feature
Podcast - Loving and Sympathetic Friends
Don’t forget to tag us @lamplighterministries
to share with us how you and your family are completing the challenge!
