If you’ve ever been looking for inspiration or encouragement to show love to those around you, look no further! Today, we will explore some of the best Bible verses about brotherly love.
From commands to be kind and compassionate towards one another, to promises about God’s kingdom where true loving relationships are built on faith in Him, we have all sorts of examples from scripture that can help us spread love among our friends and family.
So without further ado, let’s dive into these powerful bible verses about brotherly love!
Bible Verses About Brotherly Love
The Commandment to Love One Another
The Bible calls believers to love one another with a selfless, sacrificial, and service-oriented type of love. This is not just about emotions, but about putting the needs of others before our own and showing them honor and respect.
The commandment to love one another is an important theme throughout the Bible, and expressing it in action is one of the best ways to demonstrate faith. Ultimately, this kind of love reflects God’s grace as He loves us; it is our response back to Him.
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:12 is a direct reference to Jesus Christ’s commandment to love one another. This verse highlights the importance of loving each other as Christ has loved us, unconditionally and sacrificially.
This unconditional and sacrificial love that Jesus showed for humanity stands at the heart of Christian belief, thus “The Commandment to Love One Another” stands as a core moral directive for all believers.
By following this command, Christians strive to imitate God’s infinite love by loving others as He loves them with compassion and grace, regardless of their backgrounds or status.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love.” Honor one another above yourselves.”
This passage from Romans 12:10 is about the commandment to love one another. This verse is instructing us to be devoted to our fellow brothers and sisters in a loving manner, and it emphasizes that we should honor one another above ourselves.
It is encouraging us to put others before ourselves, since everyone in our lives matters as much or even more than we do. We are called to love one another for God’s sake, not because of what we can get out of it but out of respect and loyalty for each other.
By showing this kind of devotion to each other, we fulfill the commandment that Jesus gave us: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
1 Thessalonians 4:9
“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.”
This verse is a reminder to believers that the commandment to love one another comes directly from God. God has instilled love in us and has called us to share it with one another.
This is part of the Gospel message, to love and care for those around us. The Apostle Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers, who already had active, loving relationships within their community, to remember that this commandment comes from God himself and is a reflection of His character.
Additionally, Paul reminds them that through this shared love they can fulfill His will on Earth as it is in Heaven!
Hebrews 13:1
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.”
The commandment to love one another is a common theme throughout scripture. Hebrews 13:1 reinforces this commandment, encouraging believers to continue loving one another as brothers and sisters in the faith.
This encourages us to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect, just as we would our own family. It also calls us to protect each other from harm and support each other through difficult times.
Ultimately, this commandment reminds us that God loves us all unconditionally and expects the same from His children – no matter what our differences may be.
1 Peter 1:22
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”
This Scripture is instructing us to show sincere love to one another by obeying the truth. By following the commandments of God, we are able to purify our lives and become closer to Him.
It encourages us to love one another deeply from the heart, which means not just on the surface level but in a truly genuine way that comes from deep within.
Through this practice of expressing sincere love for each other, we can demonstrate obedience filled with honor and grace that brings glory back to our Father in Heaven.
Also Read: 22 Bible Verses About Parents Love
The Practice of Hospitality
Showing kindness, generosity, and a warm reception to those around us, particularly those in need and who may be strangers to us, is one way we can practice brotherly love.
Through hospitality, we can share what we have with others without expecting anything in return, express our love for one another while striving towards creating deeper connections and relationships, and ultimately fulfill the commandment to love one another as Jesus loved us.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:13 speaks to the practice of hospitality, which is defined as the act of being warm and generous in welcoming guests and strangers.
This verse encourages followers of Christ to demonstrate hospitality by using their resources and energy to care for those among the Lord’s people who are in need.
The idea behind this teaching is that by engaging our lives with others and caring for them, we are bringing glory to God and loving our neighbor.
By demonstrating hospitality, we provide an opportunity for others to experience God’s love through us.
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
This verse from Hebrews 13:2 encourages us to practice hospitality. Hospitality is the act of being welcoming and generous towards guests and strangers, treating them with kindness and courtesy.
By showing hospitality, we not only show our neighborliness, but also demonstrate a faithfulness to God, as religious hospitality was an important component of Biblical teaching throughout both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
In this passage, it is emphasizing that by offering hospitality to those who are unknown or unfamiliar, we could even be offering it to angels without knowing it, echoing the idea that when we show kindness or love for others, it is reflected back in kind by God.
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
The passage from 1 Peter 4:9 encourages believers to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. In the Bible, hospitality is often seen as an act of service and love, both important qualities of a Christ-centered life.
According to the passage, showing hospitality should be done with a spirit of generosity and selflessness, not out of obligation or resentment.
This verse serves as an invitation for Christians to practice extending hospitality towards each other under any circumstances; whether it be with friends or strangers, it is our spiritual responsibility as followers of Christ to show love and kindness by welcoming people into our homes.
Hospitality provides us the opportunity to build relationships in a meaningful way, and through this practice, we can imitate God’s love for others.
3 John 1:5
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.”
3 John 1:5 is about the practice of hospitality, or showing kindness to people who are not familiar to us. The verse encourages us to be open and inviting to those who may not seem like our traditional “friends,” but instead, we should make them feel welcome and at home wherever they are.
We should focus on actively being hospitable, regardless of whether these strangers will ever become close friends or not, hospitality can still be an important part of building relationships with others.
By showing kindness and thoughtfulness towards people whom we don’t know very well, we can build bridges between ourselves and our unfamiliar guests. It is through this type of kindness that meaningful connections are formed between people from different backgrounds.
Additionally, it reflects positively on ourselves as Christians when others see us reaching out in love to strangers with open arms.
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
This verse from Matthew is about the practice of hospitality, which involves treating guests with kindness and generosity. It is a reminder that we should welcome and look after people in need, regardless of whether or not they are strangers to us.
The verse reminds us that providing food, drink, and shelter to those in need is an essential part of showing hospitality.
When we offer food, drink, and shelter to those in need without expecting anything in return, this shows our attitudes of hospitality toward them.
The Importance of Unity
It is vital for believers to maintain unity in order to truly live according to the teachings of the Bible. Being unified in faith and outlook allows us to demonstrate true brotherly love and respect for one another, which helps glorify God and witness His love externally.
In order to achieve unity, we must cultivate a sense of humility and loving behavior amongst ourselves that will strengthen our bond as a church family and as individuals interacting with others.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This Psalm from the Bible speaks to how essential and important unity is in a community. When God’s people live together in unity, it brings with it a sense of peace, contentment and well-being.
A unified community is stronger, more resilient and better able to support each other through difficult times. Unity also fosters creativity, mutual understanding and greater possibilities for success.
This verse speaks to The Importance of Unity as a necessary ingredient for flourishing relationships among God’s people.
John 17:21
“that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
John 17:21 highlights the incredible power and importance of unity, both between the Father and Son, and among the believers. This verse speaks to Jesus’ prayer for His followers and those who will follow them.
He is asking for all of God’s children to be unified in love just like Himself and the Father are one in spirit. By experiencing this oneness within their own relationships with God, they will serve as a witness to unbelievers of what it truly looks like when someone submits themselves fully to God’s will.
If these believers demonstrate unconditional love towards one another even when they disagree on certain matters, then they could effectively serve as an example that could encourage others around them to examine their own faith more closely and come into fellowship with Him.
In other words, by displaying a sense of interconnectedness built upon mutual trust, respect,and understanding among all believers despite any differences or obstacles that may arise, we can have a real impact on our surrounding communities, demonstrating why unity is so crucial for our spiritual growth as individuals striving after God’s Kingdom Purposes.
Romans 15:5-6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15:5-6 emphasizes the importance of unity among God’s people by reminding them that they should have the same attitude of mind towards each other as Christ Jesus had.
This means having mutual respect and understanding, being patient with one another, and humbling themselves in order to work together as one.
Through this kind of unity, we can glorify our Lord Jesus Christ together as one voice. Unity is a key part of living out our faith, it is essential for us to come together so that we can effectively serve God and fulfill His purposes for us.
1 Corinthians 12:25
“so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
1 Corinthians 12:25 speaks to the importance of unity in the body of Christ. In this verse, Paul is emphasizing that all parts of the body, spirit, mind and soul, should work together harmoniously for the benefit of one another.
This highlights each part’s responsibility to contribute to a unified whole and emphasizes the necessity for individual members to have equal concern for each other. The importance of unity is emphasized in this verse as it underlines our need to care for one another and remember that we are a team, better when united than divided.
This applies not only to the church but any social situation, allowing us all to strive towards harmony through mutual understanding and respect – creating a stronger bond than we could ever achieve alone.
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
This verse from Ephesians 4:3 speaks to the importance of unity, particularly in the context of spiritual life. Unity is essential in order for Christians to live out a faith that reflects the love, hope and joy of Jesus Christ.
When a group of people is unified in their common beliefs, values and goals, they have power that comes from collective action. On an individual basis, unity gives each person a sense of belonging and community that provides strength during times of struggle or hardship.
By making every effort to maintain unity through peace-keeping measures like open dialogue and common understanding, we can create strong communities built on mutual respect and trust, communities where everyone can prosper spiritually.
The Call to Forgive
Forgiveness is a crucial component of brotherly love, as it helps mend and heal relationships that may be strained by transgressions or grudges. As Christians, we strive to emulate Christ’s forgiveness by showing mercy, compassion and kindness towards those who have wronged us.
Rather than holding onto anger and resentment, we actively choose to accept their wrong-doing and embrace grace instead. In doing so, we can experience healing, reconciliation and an even deeper connection with those around us, embodying the love of Christ in our lives.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
The Call to Forgive speaks of the importance of forgiveness in living a life pleasing to God. Matthew 6:14-15 emphasizes that if we seek and ask for forgiveness from God for our own sins, then we must be willing to forgive those who trespass against us.
In other words, it is not enough that we receive mercy when we repent; we are also called by God to extend mercy to others. By doing so, not only do our relationships benefit through healing, but this act also honors the Lord and demonstrates our faith in him.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Luke 17:3-4 demonstrates the importance of forgiveness. Jesus is calling on his followers to forgive, regardless of how many times their brother or sister has sinned against them.
He emphasizes the importance of forgiving and making peace with your brother or sister if they repent and seek forgiveness. This passage also encourages believers to disagree with one another in a loving manner, affirming each other’s humanity and taking into account that mistakes can be made in the process of growth and reconciliation.
Ultimately, it is Jesus encouraging us to be forgiving when others wrong us and reminding us that his grace for us works in a similar way, that he forgives all our sins whether we commit them once, seven times a day, or multiple times over our lives.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 is a call to all of us to forgive each other for any grievances we may have against one another. This verse serves as a reminder that the Lord has forgiven our sins and that we should extend the same unconditional forgiveness to others. We should bear with each other, be slow to anger, and always seek peace in relationships. As Christians, it is our privilege and honor to offer grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ and demonstrate His love to all those around us.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 calls Christians to “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse is a call to forgiveness; it emphasizes the importance of showing forgiveness and mercy towards others in the same way that God has forgiven us through Jesus’ death on the cross.
As believers, we have been given the power of unconditional love and grace through Jesus and are expected to offer our own mercy to others for their wrongdoings.
We must be willing to lay down our pride and put away any bitterness that may exist within ourselves so that we can forgive those who have wronged us.
By following this commandment, we set an example for others as we show them how Jesus’s love can reconcile even the deepest rift between two people or groups.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16 speaks to the power of confessing one’s sins and asking for prayer in order to be healed. It is a reminder to us that when we seek forgiveness, part of that process should include expressing our need for others’ assistance, either through testifying or praying on our behalf.
This passage is calling us to demonstrate acts of forgiveness by seeking it from those around us and praying for those who have hurt us or sinned against us.
When we offer prayer from a righteous heart, it quickly brings healing and restoration into a broken relationship, a call that requires both partner’s self-reflection and humility.
The Example of Christ’s Love
Acting upon Christ’s example of sacrificing love is the most important way believers can bring glory to God. This type of love should be more than just a phrase; it should be demonstrated through our deeds and with sincerity.
We must strive to embody this selfless love in our daily lives, showing others that we are true disciples of Christ and exemplifying God’s unconditional love for all humanity.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 is a reminder of the example that Christ Himself set for us when it comes to loving one another. He commanded Christians to practice sacrificial love just as He did when He laid down his life for us on the cross.
By following His example, we showcase our devotion and discipleship, setting ourselves apart from those not following His commandments.
This reminds us of the importance of pouring out our time, energy, and resources in order to demonstrate God’s love for others as we continue to strive daily towards His Kingdom.
Philippians 2:1-2
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
Philippians 2:1-2 pertains to the example of Christ’s love in that it serves as a direct call to action. It urges readers to “make [Paul’s] joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind,” echoing the nature of Christ’s example.
Paul reminds readers that they have received comfort,encouragement,t and support from their union with Christ and encourages them to express this same type of compassionate love with each other. In doing so they can honor Him while finding strength in unity.
Through these verses, Paul illustrates how we should strive to emulate Jesus on our own journeys by striving for unity through a mutual expression of His love for each other.
1 John 3:16-18
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 3:16-18 speaks of a very important part of loving one another, just as Christ showed us. This passage states that if someone has enough material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need, they should show their love by laying down their own “life” (material possessions) for the other person.
They should not simply say they love them but actually act on it which is what Christ did when He died on the Cross to pay for our sins and save us from death and eternal separation from God.
This passage serves as an example of how we ought to respond in love, sacrificially, generously, and unselfishly in order to truly reflect Christ’s perfect love.
1 John 4:7-8
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:7-8 is speaking to the example of Christ’s love. In these verses, the Apostle John reminds us that love comes from God and we must love one another as a reflection of His perfect example through Jesus Christ.
He is reminding us that when we show true acts of kindness, patience, and unconditional love towards our fellow man then we are following in Christ’s footsteps. Furthermore, if we do not display these loving qualities then it is evidence that we do not know God because God is love.
Therefore, if we wish to demonstrate our faith in Him and accept His grace given to us through Jesus’ life and His death on the cross for our sins, then it it imperative that we show agape-type (unconditional)love for all people regardless of their social status or beliefs, just as Christ did during His earthly ministry.
Ephesians 5:2
“and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:2 is a reminder that we should follow the example of Christ’s love in all that we do. This is the ultimate expression of what it means to show true love, giving oneself up for another, regardless of one’s own desires or needs.
It reminds us that love should be sacrificial and fragrant meaning it should be given willingly and without hesitation.
By following this example, we can show an even greater level of commitment and devotion to those we care about. The ultimate goal is to make our love as immeasurable and unconditional as Christ’s was for us.
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Being Reunited With Loved Ones in Heaven
Final Thoughts
As Christians, we are called to show genuine brotherly love and affection to our fellow believers. We must serve each other with humility and aim to live in harmony.
The example of Christ, who gave His life for His friends, should serve as an ultimate model of brotherly love for us.
By showing such love towards one another, we are reflecting our relationship with God.the same way. May we continue to grow in brotherly love and be a shining example to the world of the love of Christ.