# Synodical Conference Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1914_S25
# AI translation — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

of the Ev. Luth. Synodical Conference of North America. 1914. 25

out of your own eye; then see clearly how to pull the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matt. 7:3, 5.) — Brothers also do not backbite one another. "Speak not evil one of another, brethren! He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. . . . There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you who judge another?" (James 4:11, 12.) — Rather, brothers take into account the weakness of the brother, as Peter did: "And now, brethren, I know that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers." (Acts 3:17.) Peter had learned such tender consideration from his Lord himself, who also on the cross had prayed: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!" (Luke 23:34.) — And brothers are glad to acknowledge the good in others. "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting. Because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure." (2 Thess. 1:3, 4.) — Brothers are sympathetic toward their fellow brothers and mindful of their welfare. They rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. (Rom. 12:15.) "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Cor. 12:26.) The comfort which they have received from God they share with their brothers in all kinds of tribulation. (2 Cor. 1:4; cf. 1 Thess. 4:18.) They indeed stand fast in the freedom with which Christ has made us free, and do not let themselves be entangled again in the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1), but use their freedom in such a way that they serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13), and limit themselves in the use of their freedom so that they in no case grieve the weak brother or put a stumbling block or an offense in his way. (Rom. 14:13, 15.) — Brothers treat all alike and do not favor the rich over the poor. "My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons. For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment, and you have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say to him: 'Sit here in a good place!' and say to the poor: 'Stand there, or sit here under my footstool!' are you not partial in yourselves, and become judges of evil thoughts?" (James 2:1–4.) — Conversely, even the poorest and humblest brothers show no envy toward the more distinguished. "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them (on the pretext) that they are brethren, but rather do them