to your godly devotion brotherly affection, to your brotherly affection love.”​—2 Pet. 1:5-7.

As a consequence of his own endurance, he develops deep affection for his brothers who are undergoing trials​—different trials but equally heart-searching. It helps him to sympathize, not criticize, when their problems and weaknesses cause them to make mistakes.​—1 Pet. 5:9.

⁷ All of this increases the Christian’s appreciation for the undeserved kindness of God, which is expressed in so many ways. He loves God for this. Moreover, he develops more mercy in his heart toward those not in the truth. He sees the difficulties under which they labor and groan. (Rom. 8:22) And his love extends out to them to help them in their need of the life-giving message of truth.​—Matt. 9:36.