“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” 1 Peter 1:22

A weak, trembling voice is on the other end of the line, it’s 2a.m.- someone is seeking comfort, help, and a compassionate ear; what do you do? I wish I could confidently say that everyone that falls in this circumstance- answered the call, woke out of sleep and gave a listening ear, a heartfelt prayer or provided what was needed…but to be honest, unfortunately, there are those who would selfishly state to the caller. “let me get  back with you in the morning!”  Scripture teaches us that men are lovers of themselves. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” 2 Timothy 3:2.

Cain asked God the question, Am I my brother’s keeper? He knew what he had done in slewing his brother out of jealousy…but…the answer that we should hold too is a resounding yes, because the love of God that lives within us as His new creation, teaches and admonishes us to be unselfish, considerate, and kind-hearted towards one another! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. Love begins the list of graces and covers them all, without love it is impossible to walk in the Spirit.

It is called grace for grace my friends; what God has so amazingly done within us; must flow to others, starting right now, this moment- let us strive to love with a pure heart that draws us closer in Christian fellowship; faithfully standing for one another in the times of our greatest need. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35.

We are all going through something in life, regardless to where we are…at times we need an encouraging word, a stronger Holy Ghost filled mentor or friend to help keep us steady along the way; “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” I Thessalonians 5:11.

My friends, our strength, peace, and consolation, comes from the God of all comfort; let us rest in the knowledge that we are one in the Spirit, bonded together by His love-let us also love one another- make it a point to imagine the walk, if only for a few steps in someone else’s shoes today…. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12.

The old gospel hymn states it perfectly… Blessed be the tie that binds:

Blessed be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like that to that above.

God amazing love and grace to all.