Doing Kindness Toward the Brethren for Jesus' Sake

There are many instances in the New Testament where the writers appeal to a sure and certain knowledge in the readers of certain doctines or facts which the Saints are presumed to know to be true.

Times seem to be getting tougher for the Christian all over the world. Persecution is on the increase, where in England, Canada, and the United States we have witnessed the Brethren being persecuted by the courts for preaching the Word of God or trying to govern their personal lives according to that Word.

There will, therefore, be an increasing opportunity, nay duty, to support and sustain one another as members of Christ's body. There is a duty to kindness and helps toward the Brethren.

In two passages, our kindness to the Brethren is commanded based upon "certain knowledge" which we all should possess.

In I Corinthians 15, Paul urges us to be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, "foreasmuch as ye know that your labors are not in vain in the Lord." That sure knowledge rests upon the promise of victory and resurrection unto eternal life! After the exhortation, Paul commences to discuss the collection for the poor brethren in Jerusalem.

The Lord Jesus promised that even the giving of a cup of cold water would be rewarded. Most gloriously, He describes every small kindness done toward one of His brethren as done unto Himself. Kindness to the Brethren in union with Christ is kindness unto the Lord Jesus personally!

In another place, Paul exhorts us to kindness based upon our sure knowledge of Christ's kindness to us: "for ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor."