Love of the Brethren by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1915

Love of the Brethren

By F. M. W.

Love of the brethren is the test of discipleship. Says the Master: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Christ manifested this love in a superlative degree. He gave his life a willing sacrifice even for his enemies.

Moses’ love for his brethren was such that he was willing to have his name blotted from the records of heaven rather than that they should be lost. And the apostle Paul wished himself accursed if by that sacrifice he could save his kinsmen after the flesh.

It is this spirit of love which should characterize the church of Christ today. Its possession by all the believers would revolutionize many conditions which now exist. Scandalmongers, gossip carriers, and backbiters would cease to exist. The good name, and reputation of a brother would be sacredly guarded. None would be found who would take delight in unkind criticism of another while at the same time professing friendship.

A strange love it is which praises one to his face and discredits him behind his back, which, while professing the deepest interest for the welfare of a brother, permits him to continue in a course which will result in eternal ruin.

True love for a brother in error, while it seeks to shield his good name, will at the same time put forth earnest personal labor to save him from the snare of the wicked one.

For this true brotherly love let us seek. Let us cultivate its exercise in the church. It will bring in its train unnumbered blessings to us personally and to all the church of God. F. M. W.