Part I. The Example of “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”

1. II Peter 1:7 What comes to your mind when you see the phrase “brotherly kindness?”

2. Romans 12:10; I Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1; I Peter 1:22 In what ways do these passages increase your understanding of what brotherly kindness means?

3. Matthew 12:48-50; I John 3:2; I Peter 2:17 Who is brother to a Christian? What characteristic did Jesus give of his spiritual family members?

4. Leviticus 19:1, 17; Matthew 5:21-22; Galatians 5:15; Matthew 18:15-20 What warnings are we given through Moses, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul regarding our relationships? What are some of the problems that produce hatred and rifts between people? How can we avoid letting problems turn to hate?

Part II. Call Them Brothers

1. Leviticus 19:9-18; Romans 13:8-10 List some kindnesses brothers will do for one another. How do you think these laws compare to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles?

2. Deuteronomy 15:3-11; 22:1-4; 23:7, 19 How might you apply these principles in your life today?

3. Proverbs 6:19; Psalm 133:1; John 17: 20-21 How can we express unity where there are sincere differences of interpretation of some biblical teachings? How does brotherly kindness promote unity?

4. Romans 14 What is Paul’s prescription for unity? Think of specific ways to apply this instruction to your relationship with other Christians.

5. I Corinthians 5:11-13; 8:9-13; Leviticus 19:17b; II Thessalonians 3:6, 15 When does tolerance cross over into enabling sinful or destructive behavior? How does brotherly kindness affect the way we would handle these difficult situations?

6. Hebrews 2:11; I Peter 1:22; 3:8-9 Christians come from many nations, races, cultures, financial standing, and educational levels. How is brotherly kindness possible among such a diverse group as those of us who call ourselves Christians? How can you personally improve your brotherly kindness toward your spiritual family in Christ?