“Loving One Another Matters to Church

Membership.”

I. What is Brotherly Affection?

Romans 12:10 “Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

A. Comfortable AroundAccept one another (Rom. 15:7)Be at peace with one another (Mark 9:50)Be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10)Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:31)Belong to one another (Rom. 12:5)Encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11)Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)Have equal concern for one another

(1 Cor.12:25)

B. Family Like Affection

Confess sins and pray for one another (James 5:16)Forbear one another (Eph. 4:2)Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32)Greet one another (Rom. 16:16)Live in harmony with one another (1 Cor. 11:33)Wash one another’s feet (John 13:14)

C. Willing to honorConfess sins and pray for one another (James 5:16)Forbear one another (Eph. 4:2)Forgive one another (Eph. 4:32)Greet one another (Rom. 16:16)Live in Harmony with one another (1 Cor. 11:33)Wait for one another (1 Cor. 11:33)Wash one another’s feet (John 13:14)

II. Why is Brotherly Affection so important?

A. God commands that we love with affection and that we honor each other because these two experiences (along with the others in Romans 12) show the reality of our new nature in Christ.

B. God demands that we love with affection and prefer to honor each other because this strengthens and confirms the faith of those we love affectionately and honor.

C. God demands that we love with affection and prefer to honor over being honored because this displays the glory of Christ, because he is the one who enables us to live this way and this is a portrait of his own character.

D. God demands that we love with affection and honor each other because this lures the world to love him and all that he is for them in Christ.

III. How Do We Love One Another?

1. Preach to yourself that other believers, no matter how imperfect, are the children of God, your Father.

2. Look for evidences of grace in their flawed lives.

3. Remember you were once utterly alienated from God and cut off

without hope.