Blood Brothers

(Proverbs 18:19 KJV)  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Are you familiar with the question the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”  Did anyone ever ask, “Who is my brother?”  Hold on while I run that through my software....

I can’t find it so let me repeat my theory.  Two words that come up frequently in scripture are “brother” (251) and “neighbor”.  Although there are probably exceptions, I think that a brother is someone who shares a blood connection with you.  That can be genetic blood or the blood of Jesus.  It is a bond that goes beyond neighbor.  A neighbor shares a geographical connection.

Although we receive general instruction about living at peace with all men, this tells us it is even more important with people of the blood. 

So?  Give extra allowance and consideration to those who have a blood connection with you.  Keep in mind that just as you may not know your neighbors well, a brother in Christ can also be a mystery to you.  That requires extra patience and discernment.