Love One Another #Brotherhood

I Peter 2:17

Last year one of my members mentioned she had never heard a sermon series on love. So it got me thinking and hearing the voice of my church family. We need to begin this year on the subject of Love. So we are kicking off a brand-new sermon series titled “Love One Another”, and over the next few weeks, we will dive into what it truly means to live out Jesus’ command to love one another as He has loved us. Studying the word Love in the Context of Jesus, many words I read showed how deep his love is and how infinite, powerful, and transformative one word can mean. But it also had words like suffering, pain, betrayal, hurt, and even the word perspective. I’m looking forward to unpacking this word during a time in our society where being divided is more encouraged and egregious acts are happening more and more each day. A world where people have the wrong perspective of what type of Love Christians should have towards one another. This series is what we as a body of believers need to hear.  Scripture of focus for this theme comes from: John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”

I will look at this series through the eyes of John and Peter. Two of the 12 apostles who personally experience  Jesus’s love firsthand. This command isn’t just an ideal—it’s a defining characteristic of who we are as believers. When we embody this love, we reflect Christ to the world and strengthen the bond we share as a spiritual kingdom. Today,  I won’t dive too much into this passage, but I want to focus on a text that we as two congregations have had the amazing opportunity to develop and prayerful that we will continue once we transition back to our building.

Over the years in my ministry and spiritual development. One thing that I can say without a blink of an eye or any hesitation. Its really fulfilling to be a Christian and a disciple of Christ. Opportunities He has blessed me to use the gift for His glory. It’s even more fun when you do it with someone who has that same love and passion. and this morning I want to expound on that fellowship or communion of believers.

So please turn your bible to I Peter 2:17 in the NKJV the Bible says “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” This verse has so much Love to unpack. So the one that I want to focus on today is “ Love the Brotherhood” This message is needed for the people in the providence of Pontus. living as outsiders, strangers, foreigners just as Jesus felt in Isaiah 53. For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

And Earlier in this chapter 2 verse 9 Peter tells them how They are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, A holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Jesus has built something special in us. When Jesus called us to love one another, He gave us the blueprint for how to build meaningful, lasting relationships that glorify Him and reveal His kingdom. These past few months Forest Park and Oakdale God has given us opportunities to grow and know each other and strengthen our spiritual connection. Our Brotherhood. For Christian love takes on a different meaning and a different purpose. Peter wants to make sure that we love one another for the right reasons, and with the right perspective. It’s a lesson that Peter himself had to learn the hard way you remember Peter he’s one of the original 12 following Jesus in person for three years, Peter is proud to introduce himself as an apostle in chapter 1 verse one. Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ was an OG apostle. Peter learned how to live, and how to love firsthand from the son of God himself. he witnessed the miracles he saw Jesus transform into his heavenly form he even got a new name. Simon was just a local fisherman when Jesus called him, and Jesus gave the name Cephas in Aramaic that’s Petros in Greek and that’s Peter to you and me. It means rock more precisely a large fragment of rock and Jesus gave him the name after he successfully identified who Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God, but that’s not the only other name that Jesus called Peter I’m sure Peter never forgot the time that his saver called him Satan that’s right it happened just five verses after Jesus changes his name to Peter get behind me, Satan. Why call him Satan? because Peter didn’t want Jesus to suffer. Why because loved him so much that peter did not want Jesus to suffer. We do that church we don’t want people to suffer. But Jesus told the disciples that he would suffer many things and even be killed and Peter rebuked Jesus. He even called him Lord when he said it. I believe people who disagree with you now say respectfully I disagree with you.  Peter couldn’t wrap his mind around Jesus' suffering,” Get behind me Satan” You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns. You look at the flesh why I look at the heart. Peter got it wrong because his perspective of Jesus who is Love was wrong. He was stuck in the now in his human experience in this world, but he learned the hard way as Peter often did. When Peter finally did accept that Jesus had to die he jumped up and swore up and down that he would die with him, even drew a sword to Battle a whole battalion you don’t get the name like a rock without a little fight in you, but his moment of valor did not last.  Hours later he denied Jesus three times and lived with that shame. The Love that Jesus speaks about is one of the most difficult things we will do in life. The world has no clue what love means, Yet Jesus chose him just like he chose you and me to strengthen his fellow believers after the suffering of the cross and  John 21 captures the dramatic renewal of Peters, calling to feed Jesus‘s lambs and take care of a sheep, and with that calling Jesus told Peter That he two would suffer a cross, that lies in his future.

Now that is a serious reality to grabble with Peter's entire life was a response to Jesus' simple invitation to follow me, A pursuit that would lead Jesus to the Cross and it gave Peter a new perspective.  So 30 years later Peter writes this book and inks this passage. Wow, look how far Peter has come. So proud of Peter, he grew up a tender plant a hard rock. So I want to ask your church” What does our love for the brotherhood look like or not look liked?

Loving the brotherhood of believers is not just a suggestion; it’s a command from God. In 1 Peter 2:17, we are told, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” But how do we practically love the brotherhood? Let’s examine 3 principles through Peter's life.

1. Encourage One Another

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Story of Peter:

In John 21:15-19, after Peter’s devastating denial of Jesus, he was filled with guilt and shame. But when the resurrected Christ appeared to him, Jesus didn’t condemn Peter. Instead, He lovingly restored him, asking three times, “Do you love me?” and commissioning him to feed His sheep. This moment of encouragement was transformative for Peter, renewing his purpose and empowering him to become a bold leader in the early church. This story is a favorite because I believe we’ve all felt like Peter at one point in our lives. More than others feel like they can’t do anything right. After all no one screwed more than Peter, who denied Jesus except for Judas who betrayed HIm, but he is dead. So that took Judas out of the running for screw-up of the year. So the honor around this campfire fell to Peter. It's amazing that Jesus singles Peter out to take a walk with Him down this beach. He knows that Peter needs that conversation. Jesus has already appeared to him privately in 1 Corinthians 15 and a few times with the disciples. But Peter and Jesus have needed this long walk down the beach just the two of them for a long time. to set a few things straight. Peter knows that Jesus has forgiven him. But Peter is having a hard time forgiving himself. for Denying His lord 3 times. So Jesus provides Peter a chance to affirm his love 3 times equal to the number of Peter’s 3 denials. Peter said I love you Lord and Peter was hurt when the Lord asked Him the 3rd time. Peter finally realized that Jesus it letting him affirm for each time he betrayed HIm. Honestly I think Peter couldn’t trust Himself to not screw this up again.

Application:

We all know someone who feels unworthy or defeated. Loving the brotherhood means lifting up those who are discouraged. A kind word, a thoughtful note, or simply reminding someone of God’s promises can renew their spirit. Who in your life needs encouragement today?

2. Empower Others

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

Story of Peter:

In Acts 2, Peter, once fearful and impulsive, was empowered by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. He boldly preached to thousands, leading 3,000 souls to Christ. But Peter didn’t stop there—he empowered others by training leaders, building churches, and sharing the Gospel boldly.

Application:

Empowering the brotherhood means recognizing and affirming the gifts God has placed in others. It’s about giving opportunities for people to serve and grow in their faith. Like Peter, we must be willing to invest in others and trust God to work through them. Ask yourself: how can you empower someone to live out their calling?

3. Be an Ear to Listen

Scripture: “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19)

Story of Peter:

In Matthew 16:13-20, when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Peter spoke up, declaring, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus listened to Peter’s confession and affirmed him, saying, “On this rock, I will build my church.” Jesus’ willingness to listen not only empowered Peter but strengthened his confidence to speak boldly.

Application:

Listening is one of the greatest acts of love. Sometimes people don’t need advice or answers; they just need someone to hear them. By listening without judgment or interruption, we reflect God’s love and care. Is there someone in your life who needs you to simply be present and listen?

Conclusion:

Loving the brotherhood of believers is an active commitment. Through encouragement, empowerment, and listening, we can build each other up and reflect God’s love. Peter’s story reminds us that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things when we love one another as He has loved us.

Closing Scripture: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Call to Action:

This week, find one person to encourage, one person to empower, and one person to listen to. Let’s commit to loving the brotherhood of believers as Christ has commanded us.