PM Scripture Reading: Acts 28.11-16

Brent T. Willey

The Challenge of Brotherly Love

Introduction:

1. Upon seeing his brethren coming out to greet him, Paul first thanked God, and then he took courage. (Acts 28.15)
2. Brotherly love should be viewed as both a blessing and a duty. (See 1 John 3.16-19)
3. Yet, brotherly love can also be very challenging. Why?

BROTHERLY LOVE IS DEMANDING

1. Love demands we “turn the other cheek” (Luke 6.29).
2. Love demands forbearance. (1 Pet. 3.8-9; 1 Thess. 5.15)
3. Love demands forgiveness. (Matt. 18.21-22; Col. 3.12-14)
4. Love demands action! (James 2.14-17)

BROTHERLY LOVE IS OFTEN UNCOMFORTABLE

1. The Jews & Gentiles had to learn how to fellowship one another. (Eph. 2.11-16; Gal. 2.11-14)
2. Rebuking sin can be necessary. (Gal. 2.11-14; James 5.19)
3. There are differences in certain matters of opinion. (Rom. 14)
4. Enhanced love makes relationships stronger. (Heb. 10.24)

BROTHERLY LOVE CAN BE EMOTIONALLY RISKY

1. Anytime we display genuine care, we run the risk of being hurt. Who knew this better than Jesus?
   1. Judas Iscariot (Matt. 26.47-50)
   2. Simon Peter (Luke 22.54-62)
2. Paul experienced this kind of hurt. (2 Cor. 11.26; 2 Tim. 4.10)
3. Especially when telling the truth! (Gal. 4.16)

Conclusion: Though demanding, sometimes uncomfortable, and emotionally risky, we love because it is the right thing to do!