I've had a younger brother since I was 15 months old and a younger sister since I was seven. I've always been the older sister and never imagined what it was like to have an older sibling.
Through this season of India, however, God has placed an older brother in my life to encourage and help me.
My brother's name is Andrew, whom I like to call Andy. A couple months ago we were put in a group together to lead the performance team for India. From the moment we were partnered up, God revealed what UNITY really means. I got a clear understanding of 1 Peter 3:8.
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” - 1 Peter 3:8
Be of one mind.
Andy and I make a good team not because of anything we do, but because Christ reigns in our hearts and has given us the spirit of Unity. l saw a clear picture of this when we were working on a project called "Unity for India." We came up with some team building activities for the team to grow closer. As we prepped so much with all the ideas, God changed up many of our plans. We both learned to be flexible. By the Holy Spirit, we worked in one accord and used the different gifts God has given us to put together those activities. It was such a fruitful experience.
Have compassion for one another.
The Lord has been working on me with this for a while now. Compassion is seriously something I lack for others. Andy always thinks of others before himself. He has such a huge heart for the lost and shares Jesus with such boldness. I think of Matthew 9:36, “But when he saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Jesus was moved with compassion for those that were weary and scattered. Andy depicts this well because he is moved with compassion for those who are perishing and wants to love them into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I witness compassion every time I see this dude. It is a blessing.
Love as brothers.
God really had to put me in check on this one. I can sometimes be very rude to Andy. Through accountability, God revealed what LOVING your brother really means. I'm learning what it is to apply, "love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). God is love. Because Christ first loved me, I am to love others, even my brother Andy.
Be tender hearted, be courteous.
If you know Andy, he can be an uncontrollable jokester. At times, it's hard to "be tender hearted and courteous" when your brother cracks jokes every moment. God is faithful though, and we have found a BALANCE in being serious and funny. God has shown us both how to be careful with the words we use and to think of one another before ourselves.
It's crazy to think that just over a year ago, this dude and I met at the Missions training camp. We were acquaintances; I saw him as another dude from church. I love how God is always at work. I love how He knows the friends we need. Now, I can't ever see Andy just being an acquaintance.
I give all Glory, Honor and Praise to Jesus for His omniscient power. He ordained every part of this friendship. I am thankful for a brother whom God has placed in my life for not only this season of India, but eternity. I've gained a "friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
You the homie Andy. Keep running the race to the finish line. I'm running with you cheering you on!
