“Keep on loving each other as brothers,” we read in Hebrews 13:1. I remember the introduction to a wedding toast I made years ago: “The groom has been like a brother to me, but I love him anyway…” Brothers aren't always loving and kind toward each other, especially when the sibling rivalries head into high gear and the Bible is full of less than perfectly loving brothers.
     The  author of the Book of Hebrews building on the foundation of faith in chapters 11 and 12 offers chpater 13 as a “third use of the law” segment on how God's people, redeemed by the grace of Christ will live. We are to keep on (continuously) love each other as beloved family members. Caring for each other's eternal well-being and doing what we are able to bless brothers and sisters in Christ during their earthly sojourn to their heavenly home. We will fail and fall into gossip, back-biting, self-righteousness, pride, envy, and less socially acceptable sins, as well. And we will need the forgivenesss of Jesus, the Messiah, who loved us enough to take our sins (among the sins of the whole world) in His body on the cross. He is as loving and forgiving now as then–He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
     It is the love of God in Christ that empowers us to keep on loving each other as brothers, remembering that the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross which binds us togethers as fellow-members of HIs Body is thicker than water. We will need forgivenesss for our imperfect love, just as we will forgive the failings of our siblings in Christ until that glorious day when He welcomes us and all believers home to heaven forever!