We Are in the Family of God

Love one another with brotherly affection. —Romans 12:10 ESV

If we had been writing the list in 2 Peter 1:5–7, we might have chosen other qualities or written them in a different order. We might even have put godliness last. But as I’ve meditated on this passage, I realized that in one sense we won’t have godliness until we live it out in the context of human relationships.

If godliness were at the end of the list, we might think we can live in isolation and be spiritual. However, Peter says that brotherly affection should flow out of our godliness. This has to do with the love of Christians for one another—brotherly love that flows out of a common spiritual life.

You may not have much in common at first appearance with some other Christians in your church. But you have the same Father. We are brothers and sisters in the family of God.

We were never meant to be Lone Ranger Christians. To love one another with brotherly affection means we need to get out of our own selves, into the lives of other people, and cultivate relationships.