Romans 12:2,9-10 - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect…Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 - Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 - Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Philippians 2:3 - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Application:
· The love Paul speaks of is not mere emotion but is active love.
· Paul does not say what specific tests are to be applied, but he is clear that every teaching must be tested—surely they must be in agreement with his gospel.
· Brotherly love is love within the family of God. Honor one another above yourselves – Only a mind renewed by the Holy Spirit could possibly do this.
· Brotherly love means love of fellow believers in Christ, all of whom have the same heavenly father.
· Consider others better than yourselves, not that everyone else is superior or more talented, but that Christian love sees others as worthy of preferential treatment.
· Good is that which leads to the spiritual and moral growth of the Christian.
All Scripture verses taken from ESV
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