We Need Each Other

Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth, so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure heart love one another constantly. —1 Peter 1:22

Brotherly affection is extremely important in the Body of Christ because it creates a climate where people can be real with each other and feel safe. We can’t deal with the things that are obstacles to becoming like Christ by ourselves. We need other believers to help us, hold us accountable, listen to us, and pray for us.

However, we probably won’t share those heart issues with each other if we haven’t cultivated an atmosphere of brotherly affection. That type of trust is birthed out of friendship, getting to know each other, and creating an atmosphere where people feel they can be honest.

I think if there were more true brotherly affec- tion between believers, there would be less need in the church for professional counselors. There would be more victory over sin. There would be more freedom in areas of our lives, because out of that brotherly affection can flow genuine help and grace in each other’s lives.