Dan S. Shipley wrote this article which appeared in the November 1970 edition of Plain Talk. The paper was published monthly by the Oaks-West Church of Christ in Burnet, Texas. Robert F. Turner was the editor.
Through John, God teaches us that in loving our brethren we show our love for Him and prove ourselves to be His children (I John 3:10; 4:7). "If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us" (4:12). "...he who loves God must love his brother also" (4:21). Love for God cannot bypass the brethren. As our standing with God is made dependent upon loving our brethren, every Christian needs to understand what this love involves.
Since love for brethren is easier professed than practiced, John says, "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth" (I John 3:18). Here is a vitally important principle. Love for brethren is expressed in DOING and not SAYING! We recall how Peter said he would lay down his life for Jesus but in the same night denied Him three times. Like Peter, may brethren would do that which they will not do! Many WOULD lay down their lives for a brother but will not lay down a five dollar bill to help feed them. Others who would "go all the way" for a brother will not go across town to visit him in the hospital. "How does the love of God abide in him?" The most careful aim avails nothing when the shot is not fired; neither the best of intentions if not fulfilled. The true measure of love for our brethren is not to be found in what one WOULD DO, but rather, in what one IS DOING!
Children of God can and must demonstrate love for brethren now! "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). There are brethren among us who could benefit from the expressions of such love today. In addition to the poor and sick, our ministration of love could included the aged, lonely, widows, babes in Christ, the weak and unfaithful and those who are distressed and bereaved. Opportunities for demonstrating love are limitless!
But this love cannot be manifested by merely, "bumping into each other" at Bible class and worship. Loving in deed means in act and fact. It requires a personal, face to face involvement. Only in this way can we express the care, concern and tender affection that we are to have for all brethren.
The requirements of this love makes debtors of us all (Romans 12:8). Loving brethren is an ever owed, never satisfied debt. The exercise of it strengthens us, it helps the brethren and it glorifies God. By this love the family of God is cemented together. Without it, he who claims love for God is twice wrong.
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Here is the simple antidote to many complex problems that plague God's people. Love the brethren in deed and truth! Failure here could make our unloved brethren the biggest obstacle between us and Heaven!
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