Philadelphia, Brotherly Love!

And to the messenger of the church in Philadelphia write: These things says the Holy One, the true One, the One who has the key of David, the One who opens and no one will shut, and shuts and no one opens: Revelation 3:7

The Greek word means brotherly love, composed of phileo, to have affection for, and adelphos, a brother; hence, brotherly affection, a love of delight and pleasure. In godliness, the expression of God, this love needs to be supplied for the brotherhood (1 Pet. 2:17; 3:8; Gal. 6;10), for our testimony to the world (John 13:34-35) and for the blessing of fruit (John 15;16-17). (Life-study of 2 Peter, p. 49)

As the church in Gurgaon we have been delving into the depth of the word of God, and this week particularly, on the church in Philadelphia. The truth in this portion of the word are so nourishing and rich on brotherly love. As I personally am enjoying this truth the Lord sovereignly led me into the practical experience of it.

The truth of the Word is no doctrine, the objective truth must be subjectively experienced, else it degrades into a dead doctrine. This has befallen many believers in the history of the church. But I deeply pray that history may not be repeated in its negative aspect. Sure enough, the Lord knows what I personally have been going through and even my family. Therefore, we have been graced to experience this brotherly love; not too much of others loving us or showing love to us, but us showing to others in need, especially to some very needy brothers.

A brother has been in deep trouble because of his marital issues which directly is a result of his not listening to the loving fellowship of the brothers in the church in the past and not being in the normal church life. Nevertheless, even in such "lone wolf" case of mishap, still when he is in trouble and comes for help, we sure have to forgive him and receive him as our dear brother in the Lord. This brother happens to be in my "custody" and he has no one else to physically care for him nor spiritually, apart from the church brothers. All his friends and families have kept themselves aloof from him. Whatever the case may be, he is still a brother, as he was regenerated already and what he needs most at the moment is some "nourishing mothers" and "cherishing fathers." Though I am qualified or not, and not even a choice of like or dislike, I need to shepherd him. And I take this as a blessing in disguise, sovereignly arranged by the Lord, for me to experience the "brotherly love" the normal church should possess.

With all the extra burden amidst the ongoing financial crisis all over the country, and family dependents on the rise, I have valid reasons to excuse myself. But the Lord reminded me of the brotherly love I have been trumpeting about in a normal Christian life in the normal church life. So now is the time to live it out by taking care of this brother; supply him with food, shelter and spiritual supply. In fact, with our family, he participates in the family time with the Lord, read the Bible and pray besides enjoying all the meals together as family members. At least, this itself is worth for all the physical burden; an enjoyment of brotherly love. 

I just fellowshiped with my wife and the saints in the church to pray for this brother and encouraged all to exercise and enjoy the brotherly love the Lord has been teaching us these days, not just in words, but in deeds, with the love of God.

Lord, cause us to love You and love one another more with the brotherly love You so desired.