Add Brotherly Kindness to Faith

In 2 Peter 1:5-7, the apostle Peter lists several Christian virtues. Most of the traits on this list focus on personal growth and our relationship with God.

Brotherly kindness, however, is a quality directed outward toward God’s people. It is a sincere, active show of affection toward our spiritual family (our fellow Christians).

Connecting Brotherly Kindness to Other Virtues

Like the other graces (godly qualities), brotherly kindness is built upon the traits that come before it:

• Faith: Our shared faith binds us together as a family. It is only natural that we show kindness to those in the body of Christ.
• Moral excellence: Doing what is right requires us to maintain healthy relationships and encourage our brothers and sisters to live pure lives.
• Knowledge: Brotherly kindness tempers our knowledge. It ensures we do not use our biblical understanding to pridefully hurt or look down on others (1 Corinthians 8).
• Self-control: Managing our tongues and actions is essential. It keeps us from speaking or acting in ways that wound others.
• Patience: Brotherly kindness requires longsuffering (bearing with others patiently over time). We must be patient with each other’s spiritual growth and handle disagreements calmly.
• Godliness: This helps us see others from God’s perspective—as souls who need salvation. It reminds us that we are all equal in Christ.

How We Show Kindness

We demonstrate brotherly kindness through warm, appropriate expressions of care. Depending on the culture, people may welcome each other with cheek kisses, bows, or handshakes.

Regardless of the custom, scripture commands us:

“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” — Romans 12:10

Rudeness has no place in the life of a Christian. This is especially true within the church, where we claim to be united under Jesus.

Handling Disagreements Lovingly

Being kind does not mean we will always agree. However, when conflicts arise, we must work them out directly:

• For spiritual issues: Jesus gave clear steps to resolve sin and restore a brother in Matthew 18:15-17. If we ignore a brother’s sin, we leave their soul in danger and fail in our duty (James 5:19-20).
• For personal conflicts: We must settle disagreements quickly to prevent malice (bad intentions) and bitterness.

Personal disagreements should never divide the church. Paul warned:

“…but if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” — Galatians 5:13-15

When we lash out and hurt other Christians, we end up destroying ourselves.

Serving in Times of Need

True brotherly kindness is shown in practical help, especially during tough times.

God teaches us to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9). Jesus proved His love by dying for us, and we should be willing to lay down our lives for our brethren (1 John 3:16).

While we may never be asked to make that ultimate sacrifice, we will have daily opportunities to help:

• Sacrificing our possessions to support a brother in need (James 2:14-17).
• Sacrificing our time to visit, listen, and show concern.

We must never close our hearts to a brother who is hurting (1 John 3:17).

If we do not love our brothers and sisters, we do not love God (1 John 3:10). When we do love them, it must be an unfeigned (genuine and sincere) love (1 Peter 1:22). Sincere love will always show itself in active, daily brotherly kindness.