Today we’re talking about mutual affection. Mutual affection for who? The word in the original language that is used by Peter can also be translated as “brotherly kindness.” 

There are very few things, if any, that most of us value as much as our family. What is true of us was especially true for those who lived in the ancient middle east during the time of Jesus - family was everything. Yet, no longer is family to be primarily defined by shared last name or DNA, but rather it is defined by faith in Jesus Christ. 

Peter has in mind all those who have been born into the family of God through faith in Jesus. We know this intellectually, but if we do not believe it to the core of our being we are in big, big trouble. As you look around wouldn’t you agree that Satan has doubled down on his efforts to divide us as a people based on homeland, skin color, politics, economics, how to handle Covid, you name it. We cannot allow this to happen among believers because we are family. We need each other.