"Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. With brotherly love be devoted to one another, in honor esteeming one another."1
These verses in context speak of a transformed Church, one with a renewed mind, a mind like that of Christ. And as Paul writes who can judge such a person? with such a mind? thus such is a spiritual person, and is there any laws against such fruit of the Spirit? Of course not, if we have such a mind we are like Christ, our love for God is best seen in brotherly love.
"Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good..."2
Insincere love is hypocritical, this word for sincere nypókritos (derived from A "not" and hypokrínomai, "to act as a hypocrite") – properly, not a phony. There is no greater betrayal than insincere love; someone you thought loved you only to find out they had other motives. The world loves you based upon your worldly goods, if you are wealthy and successful people want a piece of that pie, they say they are your friends but if that which they deem of value, the worldly goods, goes away, so do they. Surely the church should not be so conformed to the world.
"... detest what is evil; cling to what is good."3
Brotherly love is loving a brother who has been tempted, not judging him lest I fall too, but detesting the sin and clinging to what is good. This is an element in the definition of love Paul gives, it believes in you, clings to the good in you. It is the Law of Christ being fulfilled. If I love my brother I will help lift his burden, in gentleness, in agape love.4 I remember one day I was really struggling and it was like Christ reached down, grabbed my arm and lifted me up. Such is a great show of brotherly love, lifting up a brother. It is also expressed in "speaking the truth in love" or in "iron sharpening iron," in such agape love is a necessity. Agape love has deeds, not just words, like in the story of the good Samaritan, we must get in the ditch and possibly give my worldly goods until he is on his feet. Not under the law but under grace will we have dominion over sin.
"... be devoted to one another..."5
Brotherly love is expressed in devotion, this word for devoted is philóstorgos (from phílos, "friend" and storgē, "natural or family love") This devotion is expressed in how we honor one another, giving esteem. Often such is seen in a family, like what is expressed in the statement "they are blood," meaning if anyone loves you its your family. "A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity."6 A brother is there for you in hard times, he has your back. But we are of God's family, made new by the blood of Christ, we are blood brothers.
"if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."6a
This word for fellowship koinōnía "participation, communion, fellowship" (derived from koinónos, "a sharer, partner") properly what is shared in common as the basis of fellowship. When my father left his family my mother was devastated, she took her life not long afterward. She was the only family I had, but I know now God put a friend in my life. Travis was half native American, I guess he himself was somewhat an outcast. He had fought hard this life, having many medical issues. Being native he had made me his blood brother according to tradition, he adopted me into his earthly family. Travis was a believer in Jesus, and I would later become his brother in Christ and undertsand the significance and of how God had purposed such a friend in my life, when he recently passed on. By the blood of Christ we are adopted into the family of God and have fellowship with one another, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
"... in honor esteeming one another."7
This word for honor is timḗ (from tiō, "accord honor, pay respect") – properly, perceived value; worth (literally, "price") especially as perceived honor. You see? this is what Christ did for us, he esteemed, honored, and valued us, paying the price. This word for esteeming is proēgéomai (from pró, "before" and hēgéomai, "leading to an important conclusion") – properly, to lead the way, passing on the right example; (modeling, exhibiting) the proper behavior. This behavior to be modeled is seen in brotherly love, honoring and esteeming him, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."7a Leading the way is the example Peter gives of a godly leader. The opposite is one who lords over, seeks personal gain, is prideful and arrogant, this person will disrespect and dishonor you.
"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."8
Leaders who want faithful, available, teachable people must be by example. If we seek to honor Christ, then we will honor and esteem others highly. Have you ever noticed "brothers" in this verse? "to the least of these my brothers." Christ dwells in us, "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love..."9 If Christ dwells in the hearts of these brothers then what we do to our brother we do to Him. If I mistreat my brother I do it to Christ and I proclaim Christ doesn't dwell in my heart. And how does he dwell? rooted and grounded in love. How I treat the least of these, my brothers, is now seen in new light as how I treat Christ. Treating my brother well is the Golden Rule of Christianity. I can't mistreat my brother and excuse it away as if there is some greater sacrfice for Jesus, such is a misnomer.
"With brotherly love be devoted to one another, in honor esteeming one another."
The Greeks had four words to describe love; eros the erotic, storge being a family love, phiea the bond of a friend, and agape which speaks of this unconditional love of God. Agape love is totally unexpressable in other words of love but we see agape love in brotherly love. This word for brotherly love is philadelphia, (from phílos, "loving friend" and adelphós, "a brother") There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.10 Christ said if we follow him, do his will, we will be called, not servants, but friends.12 We are brothers and sisters in Christ with no distinction. So we see brotherly love is displaying agape love, a combination of "family love," and "the bond of a friend."
"Moreover in godliness, brotherly love, moreover in brotherly love, agape love."14
We see the close connection between godliness, brotherly love, and agape love. A devoted friend, family, displays the love of God, agape love. A godly friend is like a brother, "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."15 This word for knit means to bind, league together, conspire. This is the concept Paul speaks of the Church, "from whom the whole body, joined (united) and held together (knitted) by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in (agape) love."15a In this love we grow, "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"15b We grow in Grace, by which we have access to by faith. Such love can be expressed in how we use our worldly goods.
"But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love (agape) abide in him?"16
John the beloved writes such, brotherly love expresses the love of God. And if I have I would give my worldly goods to a brother in need, this is the heart of God being expressed. We are not talking about the one who doesn't bear his own load but a brother in need, which can be seen in how faithful he has been in giving of his worldly goods. Our heart is where our treasure is, thus if my treasure is in the world’s goods, the love of such does many wrongs. If I will not give these earthly goods I have, to my brother in need, whom I say I love, John the beloved asks, how does the love of God dwell in me? Say a man faithfully gives into his church, family, then one day he loses his job, and the church doesn't help him, does the love of God dwell in their hearts? This would not be the fulfillment of agape love we see here.
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."17
Especially to the household of faith, Paul writes, we are to do good. We can give to to others outside but family comes first. Brotherly love has a foundation in Liberty, which we have through faith and by standing in grace. In fact this is a purpose of freedom in Christ, to serve others. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."18 Thus we see it is not an opportunity to serve my personal gain, but to serve my brother. Such opportunity to do good is seen in how we do good to one another in the body of Christ, especially when we have worldly goods and see a brother in need.
"The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned..."19
The early church was "filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" and grew in grace, "And abundant grace was upon them all" and "there were no needy ones among them" everything they had was "for distribution to anyone as he had need."20 So we see what it meant in the early church to do good "especially to those who are of the household of faith." We also see two fundamentals of the early Church, spreading the gospel boldly and the care of its own people, those of its own household of faith. Such can be appl;ied to leadership with its two primary duties; accomplishing the mission and the welfare of the people.
The definition of godly leadership can be expressed in influencing others into accomplishing the mission and into the welfare of the people. Surely the Church should be known by its love for one another. Now picture a family, and a brother who has been giving into this family contributing to the needs of other family members. Say, he has supported this brother even though his services did not grow his business. And He has paid this brother for marketing though he got nothing in return. He helped another brother who had a vision to get the family together more, so all would come to the family reunion. And another who loses his job, he helps his brother in need. Would not we say this is a loving brother?
"To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."21
The way of men are right in their own eyes. The Pharisees sacrificed in tithing, fasting, and praying but it was not for the glory God. I heard when the Roamns destroyed the temple there were equilivant of millions of dollars stashed away. Surely they had no plans of giving to the people. Jesus said, they sought the glory of men and though they were blameless in following the Law, there adherence to such external appearances was for personal gain, and they neglected the righteousness of God in justice, mercy, and faithfulness. A Pharisaical church would do the same, send millions overseas while at the same time turn their hesrts from family in need. How can one distinguish one who calls himself my "brother," from one who seeks personal gain, and such a one from a genuine friend?
"do not associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of ... greed... swindling—not even to eat with such a one."22
I purposely left out the other sins we know so well, as it is the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. We know of greed but a swindler cheats or defrauds for money or property. These take advantage of the poor and weak. As leaders they would "lord" over people, not only for money but for power, they run all over you, dishonor you, then say what will you do about it? Since I became a believer I reached out to my father to establish a relationmship with him. A year or so ago he asks to borrow money from me. This is my father who had abandoned his family, but I wanted to have a relationship with him. Then later he seeing my need doesn't return the favor. I give to God through the church, not expecting anything in return, but if family who I have given to, turns their heart from my need, would I say the love of God dwells in their heart? would I call them family? friends? brothers?
I had some problems with mold in the bathroom of the Condo I bought, so I hired a guy to fix the issue plus renovate the bathroom. He left after some work, only with half the money, but I was discouraged, so I thought I will hire a Christian business, he even has a godly name and mission statement to glorify God. I thought this brother will do me right. He came by to see what needed to be done, and he mentioned painting my condo, but I said no it had just been painted. He mentioned it again so I sat him down to write down what needed to be done, asking him to sign it. He acted offended, my word is my bond he said, but he agreed to do the bathroom. I go away on a business trip and come back to find, guess what? yes, my Condo had been painted, no bathroom work, and he was demanding payment.
I confronted him and said you were here to do the bathroom, you even signed the contract to do that. He claimed he had ADD, was in great financial trouble and needed help. I pointed out he was wrong in his thinking to do what he did, but I agreed to help him in his time of need, if he helped me finish the bathroom too, but he never would fulfill his agreement. I went to him at his church and he attacked me, accused me of getting angry, being bitter, vengeful... His pastor did pretty much the same thing to me. I could see a pattern, and we know that leadership flows down, it is by example. Is this man a swindler or someone following the lead of his pastor? or are they both swindlers? Well, I was made out to be the evil one.
Leaders who lord over others use fear, shame, and accusations against others, especially those using their knowledge of scriptures against someone, even hurting a little child in faith. They would accuse them of getting angry, bitter... of coming against the authority of the church, God himself, then shame them for speaking against a ministry, or acuse you of not having a servants heart, "we are all sacrificing for Jesus." So you are to sacrifice the wrong they did to you, without any justice and correction, they would say this is brotherly love, but such only benefits them, not both parties. One sided relationships, ones that take and never give back, such is not a family of God. Leaders who admit no wrong, accept no wrong, they in themselves are not faithful, available, nor teachable. So I asked this pastor for mediation with a superior or elders but he refused, going to his leader, accusing me of being angry, bitter...
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."16
I am learning some important things; how to have dominion, how to stand for justice, and how to stand in brotherly love. Most leaders confuse dominion with authority base upon position, titles, and even gifts, thus they lord over others. Brotherly love doesn't lord over, it is a two-sided relationship which sometimes means bearing the burden to show the other person their wrong ways, but such is sacrificial love. It is most important such is done is trust and loving relationships. The battle is not against flesh and blood, though we are warned of such people in the church who would seek personal gain, that is why this is important, though we can't rip out the weeds we can identify what they look like. And if we operate like a family of God, with brotherly love, with sincere love, building trust, we allow iron to sharpen iron, we trust and know this is for our good, not being abused by authority for their personal gain.
A family believes in you, such is love. If I love His Church then I am willing to make such a sacrifice so that it is more like Him. We don't sacrifice God's righteousness by ignoring justice, faith, mercy... no, how would one distinguish such from someone who seeks personal gain? who would use their authority to cover wrong and even use sacrifice as an excuse to justify wrong to others. And I am not talking about wrong like the discomforts most Americans might have on mission trips, no, I speak of God's righteousness and justice, men wrongly using sacrifice for the glory of men, mistreating others. This important aspect of brotherly love would transform God's church.
"The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds."17
This person I hired, how do I distinguish him from a swindler who would run all over a widow in her own home? If this man has a ministry to widows and he does this to me, then would he also to widows? How would you distinguish a godly leader from a swindler if they run all over you? to ignore such allows such to continue, thus if he is a brother, I do not have brotherly love toward him, if I allow such to continue. Nor is it defending those who can't defend themselves like widows and orphans.
Herein lies the issue, that it is difficult to correct men today, as they have been placed under law, the fear of punishment, condemned. As Paul writes men will not have dominion over sin but under grace. So we see the solution, brotherly love. There is a correct process outlined in Mathew 18 for seeking justice, but what happens when such is ignored? dissension, backbiting, gossip, people will not come to you in private, pastors bully from the pulpit, they avoid conflict by telling this person knowing it will get to you... Such leadership creates timid people who do not confront issues but hide from them. Then we wonder why the church doesn't stand for important things, such is by example given. It is clear, in my experience, swindlers and greedy people thrive in such an environment.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh."18
The pastor prays to God, "why is he coming against me." Such points out he doesn't see the issue and as Paul writes, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but teachings, doctrines, and thinking that has given strongholds to the enemy. Oh I pray for a church where brotherly love reigns, in such iron is sharpening iron, speaking truth in love, is known in deeds, not judgment, fear, shame, condemnation, or without deeds. How can correction exist in a Church under the Law? where you are condemned for your faults but these same leaders excuse away their own, knowing if they were to be judged as they judge others they would not deserve to be leaders. Thus the stronghold is developed in teachings of authority and sacrifice that support such things and leaders are embolden to continue, which discourages God's people. A lost world sees such a church, one which claims to be of God but where the image of God has been exchanged for a lie.
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."19
We have more insight into grace, for the purpose of building up others in love. Back to the brother who has contributed to his family, say this brother loses his job or business, he has been faithful to others giving over $200,000 to the needs of the family but now he is in need, only $1000, say he is behind on mortgage payment. Though the family has the world’s goods, and sees the brother in need they excuse away all that he has done for the family, oh we are all sacrificing, it is a sacrifice to God you are not suppose to ask for anything in return, shame on you, but we are praying for you... And then some disaster strikes and the family raises money and sends it to another country, while the brother's home is being foreclosed on. What does such say about this family?
"By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”20
We stand in the dominion of Christ, His strength is being perfected through love. We bear our own load, but at the same time lift the burdens of others. We can equate godliness with being a disciple of Christ, thus "in godliness, brotherly love, moreover in brotherly love, agape love.""21 How can one distinguish a godly person? by outward signs of obedience to rules and laws? no, in godliness we have brotherly love, and in brotherly love, sacrificial love. Jesus gave a new commandment which was an old one, "love one another as I have loved you." Seeking First His Kingdom is seeking his righteousness and putting first His Kingdom, and is not the Church the expression of such Kingdom and righteousness? Such is shown not in how much we give monetarily but in how much we love one another, such is a disciple of Christ, and the sacrifice of brotherly love.
Love On The Line
These verses in context speak of a transformed Church, one with a renewed mind, a mind like that of Christ. And as Paul writes who can judge such a person? with such a mind? thus such is a spiritual person, and is there any laws against such fruit of the Spirit? Of course not, if we have such a mind we are like Christ, our love for God is best seen in brotherly love.
"Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good..."2
Insincere love is hypocritical, this word for sincere nypókritos (derived from A "not" and hypokrínomai, "to act as a hypocrite") – properly, not a phony. There is no greater betrayal than insincere love; someone you thought loved you only to find out they had other motives. The world loves you based upon your worldly goods, if you are wealthy and successful people want a piece of that pie, they say they are your friends but if that which they deem of value, the worldly goods, goes away, so do they. Surely the church should not be so conformed to the world.
"... detest what is evil; cling to what is good."3
Brotherly love is loving a brother who has been tempted, not judging him lest I fall too, but detesting the sin and clinging to what is good. This is an element in the definition of love Paul gives, it believes in you, clings to the good in you. It is the Law of Christ being fulfilled. If I love my brother I will help lift his burden, in gentleness, in agape love.4 I remember one day I was really struggling and it was like Christ reached down, grabbed my arm and lifted me up. Such is a great show of brotherly love, lifting up a brother. It is also expressed in "speaking the truth in love" or in "iron sharpening iron," in such agape love is a necessity. Agape love has deeds, not just words, like in the story of the good Samaritan, we must get in the ditch and possibly give my worldly goods until he is on his feet. Not under the law but under grace will we have dominion over sin.
"... be devoted to one another..."5
Brotherly love is expressed in devotion, this word for devoted is philóstorgos (from phílos, "friend" and storgē, "natural or family love") This devotion is expressed in how we honor one another, giving esteem. Often such is seen in a family, like what is expressed in the statement "they are blood," meaning if anyone loves you its your family. "A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity."6 A brother is there for you in hard times, he has your back. But we are of God's family, made new by the blood of Christ, we are blood brothers.
"if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."6a
This word for fellowship koinōnía "participation, communion, fellowship" (derived from koinónos, "a sharer, partner") properly what is shared in common as the basis of fellowship. When my father left his family my mother was devastated, she took her life not long afterward. She was the only family I had, but I know now God put a friend in my life. Travis was half native American, I guess he himself was somewhat an outcast. He had fought hard this life, having many medical issues. Being native he had made me his blood brother according to tradition, he adopted me into his earthly family. Travis was a believer in Jesus, and I would later become his brother in Christ and undertsand the significance and of how God had purposed such a friend in my life, when he recently passed on. By the blood of Christ we are adopted into the family of God and have fellowship with one another, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
"... in honor esteeming one another."7
This word for honor is timḗ (from tiō, "accord honor, pay respect") – properly, perceived value; worth (literally, "price") especially as perceived honor. You see? this is what Christ did for us, he esteemed, honored, and valued us, paying the price. This word for esteeming is proēgéomai (from pró, "before" and hēgéomai, "leading to an important conclusion") – properly, to lead the way, passing on the right example; (modeling, exhibiting) the proper behavior. This behavior to be modeled is seen in brotherly love, honoring and esteeming him, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."7a Leading the way is the example Peter gives of a godly leader. The opposite is one who lords over, seeks personal gain, is prideful and arrogant, this person will disrespect and dishonor you.
"Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."8
Leaders who want faithful, available, teachable people must be by example. If we seek to honor Christ, then we will honor and esteem others highly. Have you ever noticed "brothers" in this verse? "to the least of these my brothers." Christ dwells in us, "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love..."9 If Christ dwells in the hearts of these brothers then what we do to our brother we do to Him. If I mistreat my brother I do it to Christ and I proclaim Christ doesn't dwell in my heart. And how does he dwell? rooted and grounded in love. How I treat the least of these, my brothers, is now seen in new light as how I treat Christ. Treating my brother well is the Golden Rule of Christianity. I can't mistreat my brother and excuse it away as if there is some greater sacrfice for Jesus, such is a misnomer.
"With brotherly love be devoted to one another, in honor esteeming one another."
The Greeks had four words to describe love; eros the erotic, storge being a family love, phiea the bond of a friend, and agape which speaks of this unconditional love of God. Agape love is totally unexpressable in other words of love but we see agape love in brotherly love. This word for brotherly love is philadelphia, (from phílos, "loving friend" and adelphós, "a brother") There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.10 Christ said if we follow him, do his will, we will be called, not servants, but friends.12 We are brothers and sisters in Christ with no distinction. So we see brotherly love is displaying agape love, a combination of "family love," and "the bond of a friend."
"Moreover in godliness, brotherly love, moreover in brotherly love, agape love."14
We see the close connection between godliness, brotherly love, and agape love. A devoted friend, family, displays the love of God, agape love. A godly friend is like a brother, "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."15 This word for knit means to bind, league together, conspire. This is the concept Paul speaks of the Church, "from whom the whole body, joined (united) and held together (knitted) by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in (agape) love."15a In this love we grow, "speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"15b We grow in Grace, by which we have access to by faith. Such love can be expressed in how we use our worldly goods.
"But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love (agape) abide in him?"16
John the beloved writes such, brotherly love expresses the love of God. And if I have I would give my worldly goods to a brother in need, this is the heart of God being expressed. We are not talking about the one who doesn't bear his own load but a brother in need, which can be seen in how faithful he has been in giving of his worldly goods. Our heart is where our treasure is, thus if my treasure is in the world’s goods, the love of such does many wrongs. If I will not give these earthly goods I have, to my brother in need, whom I say I love, John the beloved asks, how does the love of God dwell in me? Say a man faithfully gives into his church, family, then one day he loses his job, and the church doesn't help him, does the love of God dwell in their hearts? This would not be the fulfillment of agape love we see here.
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."17
Especially to the household of faith, Paul writes, we are to do good. We can give to to others outside but family comes first. Brotherly love has a foundation in Liberty, which we have through faith and by standing in grace. In fact this is a purpose of freedom in Christ, to serve others. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."18 Thus we see it is not an opportunity to serve my personal gain, but to serve my brother. Such opportunity to do good is seen in how we do good to one another in the body of Christ, especially when we have worldly goods and see a brother in need.
"The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned..."19
The early church was "filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" and grew in grace, "And abundant grace was upon them all" and "there were no needy ones among them" everything they had was "for distribution to anyone as he had need."20 So we see what it meant in the early church to do good "especially to those who are of the household of faith." We also see two fundamentals of the early Church, spreading the gospel boldly and the care of its own people, those of its own household of faith. Such can be appl;ied to leadership with its two primary duties; accomplishing the mission and the welfare of the people.
The definition of godly leadership can be expressed in influencing others into accomplishing the mission and into the welfare of the people. Surely the Church should be known by its love for one another. Now picture a family, and a brother who has been giving into this family contributing to the needs of other family members. Say, he has supported this brother even though his services did not grow his business. And He has paid this brother for marketing though he got nothing in return. He helped another brother who had a vision to get the family together more, so all would come to the family reunion. And another who loses his job, he helps his brother in need. Would not we say this is a loving brother?
"To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."21
The way of men are right in their own eyes. The Pharisees sacrificed in tithing, fasting, and praying but it was not for the glory God. I heard when the Roamns destroyed the temple there were equilivant of millions of dollars stashed away. Surely they had no plans of giving to the people. Jesus said, they sought the glory of men and though they were blameless in following the Law, there adherence to such external appearances was for personal gain, and they neglected the righteousness of God in justice, mercy, and faithfulness. A Pharisaical church would do the same, send millions overseas while at the same time turn their hesrts from family in need. How can one distinguish one who calls himself my "brother," from one who seeks personal gain, and such a one from a genuine friend?
"do not associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of ... greed... swindling—not even to eat with such a one."22
I purposely left out the other sins we know so well, as it is the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. We know of greed but a swindler cheats or defrauds for money or property. These take advantage of the poor and weak. As leaders they would "lord" over people, not only for money but for power, they run all over you, dishonor you, then say what will you do about it? Since I became a believer I reached out to my father to establish a relationmship with him. A year or so ago he asks to borrow money from me. This is my father who had abandoned his family, but I wanted to have a relationship with him. Then later he seeing my need doesn't return the favor. I give to God through the church, not expecting anything in return, but if family who I have given to, turns their heart from my need, would I say the love of God dwells in their heart? would I call them family? friends? brothers?
I had some problems with mold in the bathroom of the Condo I bought, so I hired a guy to fix the issue plus renovate the bathroom. He left after some work, only with half the money, but I was discouraged, so I thought I will hire a Christian business, he even has a godly name and mission statement to glorify God. I thought this brother will do me right. He came by to see what needed to be done, and he mentioned painting my condo, but I said no it had just been painted. He mentioned it again so I sat him down to write down what needed to be done, asking him to sign it. He acted offended, my word is my bond he said, but he agreed to do the bathroom. I go away on a business trip and come back to find, guess what? yes, my Condo had been painted, no bathroom work, and he was demanding payment.
I confronted him and said you were here to do the bathroom, you even signed the contract to do that. He claimed he had ADD, was in great financial trouble and needed help. I pointed out he was wrong in his thinking to do what he did, but I agreed to help him in his time of need, if he helped me finish the bathroom too, but he never would fulfill his agreement. I went to him at his church and he attacked me, accused me of getting angry, being bitter, vengeful... His pastor did pretty much the same thing to me. I could see a pattern, and we know that leadership flows down, it is by example. Is this man a swindler or someone following the lead of his pastor? or are they both swindlers? Well, I was made out to be the evil one.
Leaders who lord over others use fear, shame, and accusations against others, especially those using their knowledge of scriptures against someone, even hurting a little child in faith. They would accuse them of getting angry, bitter... of coming against the authority of the church, God himself, then shame them for speaking against a ministry, or acuse you of not having a servants heart, "we are all sacrificing for Jesus." So you are to sacrifice the wrong they did to you, without any justice and correction, they would say this is brotherly love, but such only benefits them, not both parties. One sided relationships, ones that take and never give back, such is not a family of God. Leaders who admit no wrong, accept no wrong, they in themselves are not faithful, available, nor teachable. So I asked this pastor for mediation with a superior or elders but he refused, going to his leader, accusing me of being angry, bitter...
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."16
I am learning some important things; how to have dominion, how to stand for justice, and how to stand in brotherly love. Most leaders confuse dominion with authority base upon position, titles, and even gifts, thus they lord over others. Brotherly love doesn't lord over, it is a two-sided relationship which sometimes means bearing the burden to show the other person their wrong ways, but such is sacrificial love. It is most important such is done is trust and loving relationships. The battle is not against flesh and blood, though we are warned of such people in the church who would seek personal gain, that is why this is important, though we can't rip out the weeds we can identify what they look like. And if we operate like a family of God, with brotherly love, with sincere love, building trust, we allow iron to sharpen iron, we trust and know this is for our good, not being abused by authority for their personal gain.
A family believes in you, such is love. If I love His Church then I am willing to make such a sacrifice so that it is more like Him. We don't sacrifice God's righteousness by ignoring justice, faith, mercy... no, how would one distinguish such from someone who seeks personal gain? who would use their authority to cover wrong and even use sacrifice as an excuse to justify wrong to others. And I am not talking about wrong like the discomforts most Americans might have on mission trips, no, I speak of God's righteousness and justice, men wrongly using sacrifice for the glory of men, mistreating others. This important aspect of brotherly love would transform God's church.
"The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. They have divine power to demolish strongholds."17
This person I hired, how do I distinguish him from a swindler who would run all over a widow in her own home? If this man has a ministry to widows and he does this to me, then would he also to widows? How would you distinguish a godly leader from a swindler if they run all over you? to ignore such allows such to continue, thus if he is a brother, I do not have brotherly love toward him, if I allow such to continue. Nor is it defending those who can't defend themselves like widows and orphans.
Herein lies the issue, that it is difficult to correct men today, as they have been placed under law, the fear of punishment, condemned. As Paul writes men will not have dominion over sin but under grace. So we see the solution, brotherly love. There is a correct process outlined in Mathew 18 for seeking justice, but what happens when such is ignored? dissension, backbiting, gossip, people will not come to you in private, pastors bully from the pulpit, they avoid conflict by telling this person knowing it will get to you... Such leadership creates timid people who do not confront issues but hide from them. Then we wonder why the church doesn't stand for important things, such is by example given. It is clear, in my experience, swindlers and greedy people thrive in such an environment.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh."18
The pastor prays to God, "why is he coming against me." Such points out he doesn't see the issue and as Paul writes, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but teachings, doctrines, and thinking that has given strongholds to the enemy. Oh I pray for a church where brotherly love reigns, in such iron is sharpening iron, speaking truth in love, is known in deeds, not judgment, fear, shame, condemnation, or without deeds. How can correction exist in a Church under the Law? where you are condemned for your faults but these same leaders excuse away their own, knowing if they were to be judged as they judge others they would not deserve to be leaders. Thus the stronghold is developed in teachings of authority and sacrifice that support such things and leaders are embolden to continue, which discourages God's people. A lost world sees such a church, one which claims to be of God but where the image of God has been exchanged for a lie.
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."19
We have more insight into grace, for the purpose of building up others in love. Back to the brother who has contributed to his family, say this brother loses his job or business, he has been faithful to others giving over $200,000 to the needs of the family but now he is in need, only $1000, say he is behind on mortgage payment. Though the family has the world’s goods, and sees the brother in need they excuse away all that he has done for the family, oh we are all sacrificing, it is a sacrifice to God you are not suppose to ask for anything in return, shame on you, but we are praying for you... And then some disaster strikes and the family raises money and sends it to another country, while the brother's home is being foreclosed on. What does such say about this family?
"By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”20
We stand in the dominion of Christ, His strength is being perfected through love. We bear our own load, but at the same time lift the burdens of others. We can equate godliness with being a disciple of Christ, thus "in godliness, brotherly love, moreover in brotherly love, agape love.""21 How can one distinguish a godly person? by outward signs of obedience to rules and laws? no, in godliness we have brotherly love, and in brotherly love, sacrificial love. Jesus gave a new commandment which was an old one, "love one another as I have loved you." Seeking First His Kingdom is seeking his righteousness and putting first His Kingdom, and is not the Church the expression of such Kingdom and righteousness? Such is shown not in how much we give monetarily but in how much we love one another, such is a disciple of Christ, and the sacrifice of brotherly love.
Love On The Line