Five Affections in the Church

​1 Peter 3:8 ~ “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
 
The church goes far afield when we forget the genuine affection that should be in our hearts toward each other. There is a connection that binds the fellowship of Christ together unlike any other human association that exists in the world. We are together in Christ. In our text today, there are five distinctive attributes that should mark the believer as they are in fellowship with one another. They are all derived from the deep union we have in Christ, and are here for us to express toward each other and receive from each other.
 
First, let there be “unity of mind.” How many arguments can be forgotten in the simple expedience of finding agreement with each other? The LORD Jesus prayed, “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:11). This prayer of our LORD is that we would find true unity. Where is it found? It is found in Him. Paul addressed a complication in the church when two women in Christ would not agree. He instructed in Philippians 4:2, “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.” If there is to be unity of mind, it must be when we have our minds renewed in God’s word (see Romans 12:2).
 
Second, let there be “sympathy.” There needs to be that mutual compassion that believers share. We are all undergoing various difficulties and sufferings, and though we may not experience what another brother or sister in Christ will face, we can certainly be sympathetic toward them. The Scripture teaches that we must see ourselves as partners with those who are mistreated (see Hebrews 10:33-34). Paul instructed the church in Corinth in this very expression of compassion, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
 
Third, let there be “brotherly love.” This love denotes the affection that comes from being part of a family. This term means to love as if you were brothers. This is not the sentimentalist nor the humanistic form of general care for the welfare of your fellow man. This dives into the well of your affections and has you consider your fellow believers as family. Paul would instruct the church in Rome, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). And he held up Timothy as a shining example of such love (see Philippians 2:20).
 
Fourth, let there be a “tender heart.” There shall be no water of affection drawn up from a heart that is hard as stone. This denotes a heart of mercy, that looks upon other believers with a sense of genuine tenderness. This must be more than the external expression of sorrow for the plight of another, but the true and sincere care toward them. Paul instructed along this same principle in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” So often the harsh and severe commentary from one believer toward another is offered, when a tender heart is actually needed.
 
Fifth, let there be a “humble mind.” Arrogance and pride will destroy the thoughts we are to have toward each other. But a humble mindset will allow you to fellowship with any believer, be they high or low. The moment we look down on a fellow believer, we have eliminated the opportunity to be a blessing to them. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” In truth, there is only One who is exalted in the church, and that is the LORD Jesus Christ. All of us were dreadful sinners in need of salvation and have nothing to boast of between each other.
 
Oh, that we should have these attributes filling our fellowship. Think on these five qualities, and then ask if you haven’t seen them in another? If you are born-again, you will see that they are fully displayed by our LORD. He lived these in their perfection, giving His life for us. Let us then strive to be as Jesus and live them out for each other.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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