In ancient times all who were people of the church called themselves 'brothers'. ... Afterward, when the church turned aside from good (and so from truth) they no longer called one another 'brothers' from spiritual relatedness and affinities, which are a matter of charity and of faith, but only from natural relatedness and affinities, and also from friendship. What is more, they began to be indignant that one of a meaner condition should call himself a 'brother'. The reason was that they made little or nothing of closeness from a spiritual origin, but very much, and indeed everything, of closeness from a natural and civil origin. ...
The reason why in ancient times they were called 'brothers' from spiritual affinity, was that the 'new birth' or regeneration produced relationships and affinities on a higher level than natural birth. Also because spiritual ties derive their origin from one Father, namely, from the Lord. Hence it is that after death people who come into heaven no longer acknowledge any brother, nor even a mother or father, except from good and truth. According to these they find new 'brotherhoods' there.
Arcana Caelestia n. 6756
What a beautiful ideal! – That human beings should see themselves as the Lord’s children, and as related to one another, based on spiritual ties to Him!
A little self-examination will show us how inclined we are to view others based on 'closeness from a natural and civil origin'. Our 'natural self' cultivates relationships based on the self. It bonds with those who are extensions of itself (e.g. family, socioeconomic and ethnic peers, close community) and with those who benefit itself in some way (e.g. friends). When our natural self rules, these criteria alone direct our attention as we form relationships and view others.
And, if our natural self is in charge, we also apply the same criteria in defining 'the church'.
The spiritual part of us looks at others in a very different way! It looks and evaluates others not in reference to itself, but in reference to what is good and true and useful. Especially it looks from the heart on the heart. It looks true-ly, not ignoring what is different or what is false and evil. (In fact, our spiritual self sometimes takes measures to restrain others, or limit their influence, in order to protect what is good and true from harm.) But this higher part of us always looks for a deeper commonality, so far as it can. And its constant purpose is to wish well and to bring help.
Our 'spiritual self' defines 'the church' in terms of people's reception of the Lord (in terms of how much they are receiving and acting from His love and wisdom). And it doesn’t just look at what people are receiving in the moment, but also what they are able to receive, their potential. Its purpose is to nurture that potential and then seek to bring it out.
In short, our higher self is constantly looking to serve the people whom the Lord has placed in its sphere. It views all as potential 'brothers, sisters and friends'. It allies itself with the spiritual efforts that others have made, or are making, or can make.
Who will the Lord put before you today? How will you view them? How will you serve them and help them on their way?