1. φιλαδελφια and αγαπη 2 peter 1:5-9

3. some comparable passages love must be sincere romans 12:9 1 corinthians 13 therefore, as we have the opportunity let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers galatians 6:10

4. some comparable passages therefore, as god’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. forgive as the Lord forgave you. and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. colossians 4:10-12

5. some comparable passages… may the lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else just as ours does for you. 1 thessalonians 3:12 now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for the brothers and sisters, love one another deeply from the heart. 1 peter 1:22

6. some comparable passages… Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers (and sisters), be compassionate and humble. 1 peter 3:8

10. love for brothers and sisters common basis as children of god common basis as recipients of god’s grace therefore… – forebearing – forgiving – pure and truthful – generous – affectionate: deep bonds of friendship – inclusive / non discriminatory

11. 9 biblical practices for building community affirm one another’s strengths, abilities and gifts affirm one another’s equal importance in christ affirm one another through visible affection share one another’s space, goods and time share one another’s needs and problems share one another’s beliefs, thinking and spirituality serve one another through acountability serve one another through forgiveness and reconciliation serve one another’s interests rather than our own

12. love for everyone common basis as bearers of the image of god common basis as recipients of god’s goodness therefore… – generous and kind – forebearing and forgiving – pure and truthful – affectionate – compassionate – inclusive / non discriminatory

15. why do we not observe that it is their [christians’] benevolence to strangers… and the pretended holiness of their lives that have done most to increase atheism [christianity]… for it is disgraceful that, when no jew ever has to beg, and the impious galileans support not only their own poor but ours as well, all men see that our people [pagan romans] lack aid from us. julian (roman emperor 361-363)

16. knowledge 2 peter 1:5-9