1. Brotherly Kindness ADD TO YOUR FAITH… (2 Pet. 1:5-9)

2. Previous Characteristics faith - conviction of truth of divine things virtue - courage to choose right from wrong knowledge - understanding of God’s word self-control - mastery of thoughts, actions perseverance – staying the course godliness – seeking first to please God

3. Introduction brotherly kindness (  ) – the love which we have for one another as brethren ◦ often feel a closer kinship to our brethren than even our own family (Mt. 12:46-50) ◦ this precludes the idea of the pious scholar or recluse – we must be friends of one another brotherly kindness is the expression of love to those we should be closest to (Jn. 5:20)

4. The Role of Brotherly Kindness blessing unique to the faithful ◦ the body naturally receives the first-fruits of its unity (Rom. 12:3-5, 10-16)(Gal. 6:1-10) ◦ is why unfaithful should be motivated to repent when we cease social fellowship (1 Cor. 5:9-11) fellowship that binds as one and builds up ◦ compels us to further faithfulness and sacrifice for one another (1 Pet. 1:22)(1 Thess. 4:13-18) ◦ not always a given (James 4:1-4)

5. Growing in Brotherly Kindness choose Christians as your closest friends (1 Cor. 15:33)(Prov. 12:26; 22:24-25) learn how to be a friend (Lk. 6:31)(Prov. 18:24; 6:28; 17:9, 17) utilize your friendship (Prov. 27:9-10, 17) (Acts 2:44-47)(James 5:16) its need should be obvious, yet never cease to improve (1 Thess. 4:9-10)(Heb. 13:1)

6. Conclusion brotherly kindness is essential to the unity we enjoy as brethren (Phil. 2:1-2) ◦ without it, the church could not last through trials/temptations, even with doctrinal purity ◦ we need the friendship and compassion of one another to endure and stay together let us always be thankful for the family God has blessed us with – an eternal family