June - the Free Presbyterian church of Scotland

Brotherly Love. 45or selfish interests enter into it these are condemned by thewarning: "For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousnessof God" (James i. 20).3. Some of the fruits of brotherly love. 'Vhere true brotherlylove is it will not gloat with glee over difficulties that maybeset a brother in this world. Such a spirit shows too plainlyits origin and the place from whence it came. Love will nottake advantage, like the world, to strike a blow when a suitableoccasion arises for love worketh no ill to his neighbour (Roms.xiii. 10). It is willing to forgive injuries but it does notarrogate to itself the right to forgive sin, that belongs to Godand to God alone. As an illustration of what brotherly love cando the following story may be told. A :M:aori who had beenconverted was present at a service where the Lord's Supperwas administered. The communicants had taken their placesat the Table, he with the rest, when he noticed that the personsitting at the Table beside him was the man who killed his fatherin their heathen days. The blood lust was so strong that theMaori rose from the Table vowing vengeance in his heart againsthis tribesman. In his hot temper he was making away fromthe service when these words fell with commanding effect uponhis heart: "Hereby shall all men know that ye are my disciplesif ye keep my commandments." The words fell like oil onthe troubled sea of his revengeful feelings and he returned tothe service and sat down beside the man who had so cruellyinjured him but who was now a follower of the Lord JesusChrist! Brotherly love is one of the fruits of the Holy Spiritand like all the Spirit's fruits it is very beautiful and adornsthe life of all those who exercise it.To reprove a brother is like as when he has fallen to lift himup again; when he hath broken a bone to help set it; when heis fallen into the fire to pluck him out.-Matthew Henry.:F: