The other day I was in talking with two pastors.  After about 30 minutes or so we broke the conversation off and the other Pastor asked if I would talk with him in his office.  I took him up on the offer.  We discussed many different things during that time but what impressed on me the most was his desire to meet with me consistently.  This pastor really did not know me he knew about me but did not know me yet he asked if I would be willing to allow him to hold me accountable.  This impressed me because often times I have wanted this type of a relationship or even mentoring but rarely have people had the time or desire to do so.  I am excited to see what God is going to do in this relationship.
My first assignment was to pick out a book of his.  I selected “The Bruised Reed” which is part of the Puritan Paperbacks.  In the first chapter I found it quite interesting that we must be bruised before we come to Christ which calls us to cry out for His mercy.  However after conversion we still need bruising because of the pride in our nature. Â
I reflect on the times I often need bruising how often I led pride stand in the way.  These are the times that I am thinking more highly of myself than I should.  These are the times I experience a bruising.  When I was younger my stepfather would spank me so hard that my bottom would be left bruised.  He did this because i would not cry.  I would not forget those spanking and remember them to this day.  Sometimes God has to give me spanking bruise me so I can see myself for who I really am. Â
The second part of my assignment was to read Hebrews 13.  Verse 1 says Let “love of the brethren continue.”  This is one of the marks of Christian conduct.  ”brotherly love”.  Believers are supposed to have a special kind of love it is a brotherly love.  The greek word for “brethren” is (adelphos) which means from the same womb.  The Greek word for love is (phileo) which means deep seated affection or care.  People that have this kind of love come from the same womb or in this case the same source they have been born again.  This is the kind of love we are called to display as Christians.
I saw this type of love displayed recently in a church.  It is hard to believe I saw this take place in a business meeting of all places.  You see earlier that day the Youth Pastor had announced his resignation.  He had been at the church for 2 years.  At the business meeting it was recommended that they gave him 6 months severance and a full year of insurance.  This nearly brought tears to me eyes.  When I talked with one of the Pastors he said it is what we had to do it was the right thing.  Brotherly love was indeed displayed.
I pray that one opportunity arrises I will display that brotherly love that is discussed here in Hebrews 13.
