Leviticus 24-27
Kindness to Your Brother

Leviticus 25 gives instructions on how the Jews were to treat their brethren in times of need. "If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God," Leviticus 25:35-38. Further instructions were given on how to handle the indentured servitude of a brother.

There is a special bond that ought to be found among family members. In fact, it is unnatural when families are not close-not unusual, but unnatural. Because of their kinship, a desire to help ought to come easily, and quickly; they should want to help one another before helping anyone else. They should not take advantage of one another, but rather should sacrifice as needed.

The Lord's people are a family in every sense. They are a family bound by the blood of Jesus Christ. They share the same Father. And, their association endures long after fleshly bonds have been broken. As a result, we should have a special place in our hearts for one another, and should go out of our way for one another in times of need. Paul wrote in Galatians 6:10, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." While we are brothers to all men, we have a special family bond with Christians. Christians look after Christians.

his is demonstrated aptly in the first several chapters of Acts. In Acts 2, after the church was established, numerous new Christians remained in Jerusalem to learn. They had nothing. Yet, people who did not yet know them began to sell their possessions and help them for one reason: they were now brothers and sisters in the family of God. And, people didn't just give of their spare change; they often sold property (Acts 4:36-37) in order to help.

All of this illustrates to us how important family is to God, and just how He expects family members to treat one another. Christians share something with one another that they do not share with anyone else in the world. We ought to behave like it. When we see a brother or sister in need, God expects us to reach out to them and provide for them, expecting nothing in return. He expects us to give all we must give to let them know they are not forgotten. We show them kindness because God has shown us kindness.