“Be Kindly Affectioned One to Another with Brotherly Love.” Rom. 12: 10.
By A. W. Gould
THIS injunction of the apostle should, at the present time, engage our earnest attention. It is of deep interest to all who wish to prove themselves loyal to God’s government. It is in harmony with his words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Mat. 22: 39. It does not outlaw; for we read in Ps. 111: 7, 8, “All his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” If others were always governed by right motives, never made a mistake, it would be comparatively easy to give heed to this precept. We are made aware of the fact that “to err is human,” and it is so innate to exalt self, that it is only by relying upon the strength we derive from God, and constant watchfulness, that the Christian can keep balanced. Position, wealth, or fame, will not excuse us for passing lightly over this command. The apostle probably saw a lack in those whom he addressed at Rome which occasioned his words in 1 Pet. 3: 8–10, “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” None can but admire in others the characteristics here summed up. How ennobling the holy love here brought to view! He says, Be courteous, refined, polite; well-bred; civil; respectful. Now, as this straight testimony is left on record for us to follow, how important that we compare ourselves by it, and inquire whether these qualities are exhibited in our case. It won’t answer to be oscillating here. We are exhorted to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” and to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” We see clearly that “the Bible standard is a close one.” “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2: 10. Jesus says, “I do always those things that please Him.” John 8: 29. No wavering here. His aim was high, with a determination to succeed in carrying out the great plan of salvation, irrespective of strong temptations. “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” What love and pity manifested for us! He says, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15: 12, 14. No exceptions given to this rule. He means what he says. What a nice point, that our wills be brought into subjection to divine authority! Paul says, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 5: 24, 25. He says, “Christ pleased not himself.” Jesus says, “If any man serve me, let him follow me.” His was a life of trial and self-sacrifice. “He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” He would have us imitate him. Although His own received him not, he won the confidence of unbelievers by healing the sick, by kind acts, and friendly counsel. He was sought by the poor and blind as well as by the learned and great. In his reproofs, he spake directly to the erring. When his followers shall have learned151to give heed to his testimony in Matt. 18: 15–17, a great victory will be gained. As the Christian follows in the footsteps marked out, how elevated he becomes! Theoretical expressions are discarded. He follows after charity, and seeks to help the erring and those whose circumstances have been less favorable for advancement than his own. Hardness alone, indulged in against others, is enough to shut one away from Heaven. No discordant note there, but all is perfect harmony. Our Lord was no respecter of persons. How careful we should be of our influence over others, for whom Jesus laid down his life. Our race is nearly run. Judgment will soon be passed on our case. What need of humility and self-abasement before the Lord, that he may work through us for the good of others. May we live near to him, and receive that assistance from him that it is our privilege, and be in readiness for his coming, and the reward for those that love, serve, and obey him.