1. We Are Brethren We Are Brethren Genesis 13:8

2. Because We Are Brethren Abraham recognized that there is certain behavior expected of physical brethren (Gen. 13:8) The principle of brotherly love is also expected among the Lord’s brethren

3. Because We Are Brethren Let Us Love Another: “In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another” (Rom. 12:10; see also 1 Thess. 4:9-10; 1 Pet. 1:22; 2:17; 3:8; 1 Jn. 3:14-18) Some do not show sacrificial love (Jn. 13:34-35); selfishness is their primary concern (Phil. 2:3-4) Do you sacrifice and serve all your brethren (2 Cor. 12:15)? Do you practice the characteristics of love in the local church (1 Cor. 13)? Do you do good (Gal. 6:10)?

4. Because We Are Brethren Let Us Be United One With Another: “Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other” (1 Cor. 4:6) Some are always causing division (Prov. 6:19) Do you promote unity or discord? (When you eat fried preacher, roasted elders, and broiled members for Sunday dinner, you will have indigestion!)

5. Because We Are Brethren Let Us Live In Peace With One Another: Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you (2 Cor. 13:11; see also 1 Thess. 5:13) Some are always stirring up strife (Gal. 5:15, 20) Do you “follow after things which make for peace” (Rom. 14:13, 19)? Peaceful words and actions (Psa. 133:1; 1 Cor. 6:7-8; 8:12; Jas. 4:11; 1 Jn. 2:9-11; 3:15)?

6. Because We Are Brethren Let Us Get to Know One Another: “But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you” (1 Thess. 5:12) Some know very little of their brethren; they “come to church” and go home; they are the “church tornado”, blowing in quickly and blowing out the same Do you visit with all? Do you show hospitality to all? Do you volunteer with all?

7. Because We Are Brethren Let Us Strengthen One Another: “And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all” (1 Thess. 5:14) Some will not encourage their brethren; they will not get involved in the lives of others Do you know the needs of all your brethren? Do you help all the brethren (Gal. 6:1; 2 Thess. 3:14-15; Heb. 10:24-25; Jas. 5:16)?

8. We Are Brethren If we do not act like brethren in the above manner mentioned, then… The influence of our example toward outsiders will be hindered (13:7) The faithfulness of our own household will be hindered (13:8) The effectiveness of God’s work in the world will be hindered (13:14-18)