Understanding True Brotherhood and Sisterhood in Faith

Who Are Our Spiritual Siblings?

We often contemplate who truly qualifies as our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Various denominations and interpretations shape diverse opinions. Some define their spiritual siblings as those who attend the same church or follow the same denomination. Others may base it on visible symbols or declarations of faith, like wearing crosses and professing Jesus as Lord. However, I have come to a broader understanding of who these spiritual siblings might be.

Characteristics of True Spiritual Siblings

Pursuers of Personal Righteousness

The individuals I regard as my spiritual siblings strive for personal righteousness without casting judgment on others. They continually seek personal growth, acknowledging their own shortcomings without condemning others for theirs.

Practitioners of Selfless Love

These spiritual siblings embody selfless agape loveSelfless love marked by patience, mercy, and humility—central to living in spiritual liberty.. Though it requires immense effort and self-discipline, they strive to love God and their fellow man sincerely and selflessly. Their growth in this endeavor is evident, even if they haven't achieved perfection.

Faith and Trust in God

Regardless of their financial situation, whether living in plenty or struggling to make ends meet, these siblings place unwavering faith and trust in an invisible God for provision and care. This deep-rooted trust highlights a shared spiritual bond.

Seeker of Truth

My brothers and sisters in the Lord are truth-seekers. While they may voice their opinions on doctrine, they refrain from engaging in contentious debates. Instead, they prioritize harmony over division, showcasing a humble pursuit of truth.

Embodiment of Kindness

Kindness is a defining trait of my spiritual siblings. Whether in jest or serious interaction, their kindness shines through. In the realm of Christianity, which I liken to a business of people, kindness remains an invaluable currency.

Evidence of the Spirit's Fruit

The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Ephesians and Galatians, including love, joy, peace, patience, and others, manifests in their lives. Although perfection is a distant goal, their pursuit of these virtues is unmistakable. When they falter, they quickly embrace humility, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.

Commitment to Peace

These spiritual siblings do not linger in resentment or grudges. They prioritize peace-making, seeking resolution swiftly instead of harboring offense. They live in this world but do not make it their ultimate kingdom, navigating success or lack thereof with a perspective rooted in the divine.

In our journey, recognizing such individuals as our true brothers and sisters enriches our spiritual walk and community, nurturing a shared path of faith, love, and humility.

Living with a Light Touch on the World

Engaging with the World

Chuck Smith used to describe it as living with a light touch on the things of this world, and I've noticed that some people are present in this world but don't live exclusively for it. You can easily notice the difference when you meet someone who lives for worldly things versus someone who doesn't.

These individuals give everyone the freedom to live their lives as they choose. Even when they encounter someone living what might be called a base life, they do not condemn them. Instead, they love them, treating them as fellow Christians. When discussions become awkward, they try very hard not to war against flesh and blood. They might grapple with their own spiritual shortcomings, but they avoid engaging in conflicts with others because scripture indicates that's not where our warfare lies.

Speaking Well of Others

They rarely speak evil of others, especially not in a truly damaging or diabolical manner. These are general characteristics; some people embody them more than others. They can relate to the broken aspects of life, maintaining friendships with those who might not be worldly successful. They don't just surround themselves with high-status friends; they have friends in low places, as Garth Brooks once sang.

Generosity and Patience

Such individuals are generous with their time and exhibit patience with others. Personally, patience is something I sometimes struggle with, especially in public, but I often see a lot of patience and kindness in them. They prioritize the interests and wants of others over their own.

Humility and Peace

They are humble and self-effacing, desiring peace and seeking to make it whenever possible. Often, they are persecuted without cause and taken advantage of in this world. Though it's painful, they do not seek revenge but humbly accept their situation, trusting that God is in control. Truly trusting God has things in hand is not easy, but these people do it.

Reflecting His Light

These are my brothers and sisters who fear and respect the Creator. They are light and reflect His light. This isn't meant to make anyone feel inadequate; even reading this list, I can see areas in which I fall short. It's not about denominations or those who worship the loudest, but about those who embody these characteristics in their daily lives.