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I. WHEREIN ARE WE TO EXPRESS OUR AFFECTION TO ONE ANOTHER?

1. In desiring one another's good (1 Timothy 2:1).

2. In rejoicing in one another's prosperity (ver. 15).

3. In pitying one another's misery (ver. 15; Isaiah 63:9).

4. In forgiving one another's injuries (Matthew 6:14, 15).

5. In helping one another's necessities (1 John 3:17, 18).

II. WHY SO KINDLY AFFECTIONED.

1. We are commanded to do it (John 13:34).

2. No other command can be performed without this (Romans 13:10).

3. Neither can we love God without it (1 John 3:17).

4. This is true religion (James 1:27).

5. Because we are all brethren —

(1)  In Adam as to the flesh (Acts 22:1).

(2)  In Christ as to the Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 1:14).Conclusion: Be kindly affectioned to all persons. Objections:

1. They are wicked.

(1)  Thou canst not say that they are more wicked than thyself (1 Timothy 1:15).

(2)  They may be saved, and thou lost (Matthew 7:1).

(3)  Thou art to hate their sins, yet love them (Psalm 99:8).

2. They wronged me.

(1)  Thou knowest not but their iniquity was thy good, as in Joseph's brethren.

(2)  Thou hast injured God (Matthew 6:14, 15).

(3)  Their sins cannot absolve thee from thy duty.

3. But they are still my enemies. Then thou hast a special command to love them (Matthew 5:44, 46).

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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KJV: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

WEB: In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;