Brotherly (and Sisterly) Affection

I first became a mother at 4 years old. Awake now?! That’s when my sister was born and I took over. My Mom said she was always reminding me that I was the sister and NOT the Mother.  As we grew older my love for her grew. At night when she was scared she would make her way to my bed and we’d hold each other through the night. This was my first reality of true love. Of course I loved my parents, but this kind of love was phileo love. Well before I learned what this word meant I loved someone as myself. There is nothing I would not do for my sister.

Through the years we’ve experienced a lot together. We have laughed and we have cried. We haven’t always seen eye to eye and both of us have hurt each other with our words; and lack of words at times. Yet this super strong bond of love, this phileo love, this sister love never waivers. It’s a type of love that Paul writes about to the Corinthians. It’s a “love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:7‬. 

As Christians we are also called to love each other with this same intensity. Romans 12:10 states that we should “love one another with brotherly affection.” Whether we are a blood sister or brother or a sister or brother in Christ we all share this same phileo bond. A bond of love (through Christ) that should be unselfish. God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can love and not expect anything in return. This is impossible without God!!! The more we become like Christ, the more we will be able to show love to others. “Let love be your highest goal!” 1 Corinthians 14:1. #lessme #morelove

Happy birthday to my sweet sister. What an honor to write this on your special day.  Not only do we share the same DNA but we also share our Heavenly Father. He is always there holding one hand while I’ve got the other. I love you!

Happy Friday February 25th!

Heather & Lisa