Brotherly Kindness

Seeing my brother in those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness. Seeing my mother in those struggling with chronic health issues. In those who choose to leave the church, and even harbor bitterness, seeing a sister who's sensitive feelings have been hurt. 

I have a lot of brothers and sisters. 11 to be exact. So when I hear the term "brotherly kindness" in the scriptures, it's easy for me to think of how much I love every one of my siblings and to feel that kindness towards them. 

The interesting thing is, with so many siblings, we have become a diverse bunch. Some of us live out of the country. Some of us have married people of different nationalities and races. A few siblings have left the church, with varying levels of animosity. I love each of them so much. 

One of my brothers has taught me more about brotherly kindness than most people get to learn in their lifetime. This brother spent a bit of time in jail. This brother lied to us all. This brother couldn't give up drugs and alcohol. This brother chose to live homeless. This brother scared us many times and sent us to our knees in agony. After all that, this brother took his own life. It's crazy, but after all he put us through, I never think to be angry with him. I still mourn his loss. I mourn the missed opportunities he had in life. I mourn the struggle it was for him to even live.  

But brotherly kindness is for all our spiritual brothers and sisters, not just the ones born into the same family as us. That brother has made it easier for me to see everyone as a sibling and to feel kindness toward all. Because now I know when someone lies to me, it's because they are ashamed of the truth. When they ruin their lives with addictions and end up on the street, I still feel no judgement, only sadness. It's so easy to see my brother in them. And they are my brothers and sisters, after all. 

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