Closer than a Brother

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
~ Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)

Closer than a Brother

There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. 

~ Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

There is a Friend...

A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  ~ Proverbs 18:24 (NASB) 

Love God...Love All

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. ~ John 4:20-21 (NIV)

When Someone Sins Against You

15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go to them. Tell them what they did wrong. Keep it between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them back. 16 But what if they won’t listen to you? Then take one or two others with you. Scripture says, ‘Every matter must be proved by the words of two or three witnesses.’ 17 But what if they also refuse to listen to the witnesses? Then tell it to the church. And what if they refuse to listen even to the church? Then don’t treat them as a brother or sister. Treat them as you would treat an ungodly person or a tax collector. ~ Matthew 18:15-17 (NIrV)

Admonish Him as a Brother

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NASB)

Note: The NIV translation uses the word fellow believer instead of the word brother.

No Fear In Love

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. ~ 1 John 4:18-21 (ESV)

Specks Vs. Logs

41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. ~ Luke 6:41-42 (ESV)

Dealing with Sin in the Church

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ~ Matthew 18:15 (NIV)

Keep HIS Decrees

14 “‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD.

15 “‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.

16 “‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
“‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.

17 “‘Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.

18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

19 “‘Keep my decrees. Leviticus 19:14-19 (NIV)

Love

“If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” ~ 1 John 4:20-21 (NIV 1984)

Friend Who Is Closer than a Brother

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (ESV)

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV)

~ Proverbs 18:24

If Your Brother Sins...

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 (ESV)

He First Loved Us

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. ~ 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV 1984)

Love God...

"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."

~ 1 John 4:20-21

Attempt Reconciliation

15-17 “But if your brother wrongs you, go and have it out with him at once—just between the two of you. If he will listen to you, you have won him back as your brother. But if he will not listen to you, take one or two others with you so that everything that is said may have the support of two or three witnesses. And if he still won’t pay any attention, tell the matter to the church. And if he won’t even listen to the church then he must be to you just like a pagan—or a tax-collector! ~ Matthew 18:15-17 (J.B. Phillips)

Angry?

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

~ Matthew 5:22