Brotherly love is a key part of building unity and kindness within our communities. The Bible offers timeless lessons on how we can practice love and compassion for each other. Today, we’ll see how Scripture encourages us to embrace love among all people.
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What Does The Bible Say About Brotherly Love
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love among believers. Jesus commands His followers to love one another, just as He has loved them. This kind of love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
It is through the demonstration of this love within the church that the world will recognize and identify followers of Christ. The practice of brotherly love becomes a powerful testimony of the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
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 verse highlights the significance of genuine and deep love among believers. As we experience the cleansing and transformation from sin through Christ’s salvation, we are called to love one another sincerely and with heartfelt affection.
True brotherly love is authentic, not merely superficial. It is rooted in our obedience to the truth of God’s Word and flows from a heart that has been changed by His love.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse instructs believers to have a strong commitment to loving one another. It calls for a selfless attitude that prioritizes the needs and well-being of others above our own.
To be devoted in love means to be dedicated, loyal, and steadfast in our affection for one another. It requires us to treat each other with honor, respect, and genuine care, putting others’ interests before our own.
1 John 4:11-12
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
This verse reminds us of the connection between God’s love for us and our love for one another. As recipients of God’s great love, we are called to reflect that love in our relationships with fellow believers.
When we love one another, we demonstrate the presence of God in our lives and His love is perfected or made complete in us. Our love for one another becomes a testimony of God’s love to the world.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
This verse reminds us that as believers, we have been called to freedom in Christ. However, this freedom is not meant for selfish purposes or for satisfying our own desires.
Instead, we are called to use our freedom to serve one another with humility and love. True brotherly love is characterized by a willingness to put others’ needs before our own and to serve them selflessly.
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
In this verse, believers are urged to demonstrate certain attitudes and behaviors towards one another. These include humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love.
Bearing with one another means showing endurance and tolerance, even in challenging or difficult situations. It requires us to extend grace and understanding towards our fellow believers, just as Christ has shown us.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
These verses highlight the importance of community and mutual encouragement in the body of Christ. Believers are called to actively motivate each other in love and good deeds.
In addition to encouraging one another, the passage emphasizes the significance of regularly assembling together as believers. It is through gathering in fellowship that we can continue to uplift and support one another in our walk with Christ.
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Love is described as the foundational virtue that binds all other virtues together in perfect unity. It is the adhesive that holds the body of Christ together and allows believers to live in harmony and mutual respect.
By practicing brotherly love, we create an atmosphere of unity and coherence within the church. Love is the key ingredient that enables believers to function as a strong and effective body of Christ.
1 John 3:16
“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.”
This verse points us to the ultimate example of love, which is demonstrated through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. Just as Jesus selflessly gave His life for us, we are called to imitate His love by being willing to lay down our lives for one another.
True brotherly love involves making sacrifices, whether it be our time, resources, or personal desires, for the well-being and benefit of our fellow believers.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the enduring nature of love and the importance of standing by one another in times of difficulty. True brotherly love is not conditional or fleeting but remains constant and faithful.
When challenges and adversity come, a true brother or sister in Christ will be there to support and uplift, reflecting the love and loyalty that characterize deep friendships.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of reliable and loyal relationships. While human friendships may sometimes falter or fail, there is a friend who is even more faithful than a brother – Jesus Christ.
He is the ultimate friend who will never abandon or betray us. His love for His followers surpasses any earthly relationship and provides a foundation of unwavering support and companionship.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and blessing of believers dwelling together in unity. When we demonstrate brotherly love and live in harmonious relationships, it brings joy to our hearts and pleases God.
Unity among believers is a powerful testimony to the world, revealing the transformative work of Christ and the reality of His love in our lives.
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.”
These words from Paul affirm the Thessalonian believers’ understanding and practice of brotherly love. They were already living out this command, which had been implanted in their hearts by God.
The Holy Spirit teaches and enables us to love one another as God intended. Brotherly love is not a human endeavor alone but a supernatural work of God within us.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse establishes that love is the fulfillment of God’s law. When we practice brotherly love, we are fulfilling the commandments given to us by God.
Love seeks the well-being of others and refrains from causing harm. By loving one another, we demonstrate obedience to God’s commands and reflect His character to the world.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This concise but powerful verse implores believers to approach all aspects of life with love. Love should be the motivating factor behind our thoughts, words, and actions.
By infusing everything we do with love, we create an environment of grace, compassion, and understanding, allowing the love of Christ to permeate every aspect of our lives.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
In this verse, the connection between love and God is made clear. Love originates from God, and those who are born of God and know Him will naturally exhibit love for one another.
Our ability to love one another is a testament to our relationship with God. As we draw closer to Him, we become conduits of His boundless love towards each other.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
In these verses, Jesus challenges the conventional understanding of love by calling His followers to love not only their neighbors but also their enemies and those who mistreat them.
This radical love reflects the character of God, who shows kindness and mercy even to those who oppose Him. This kind of love has the power to transform hearts and break down barriers.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse, often referred to as the second greatest commandment, reinforces the importance of brotherly love. We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Brotherly love does not discriminate but extends to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. It reflects the compassion and inclusivity of Christ.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
James emphasizes that fulfilling the command to love our neighbor as ourselves is a righteous and commendable act. This love is not just a suggestion but a royal law that carries great weight.
When we love our neighbors as ourselves, we align ourselves with God’s heart and demonstrate obedience to His Word.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse illustrates the impact and importance of relationships within the body of Christ. When we engage in genuine and loving relationships with fellow believers, we have the opportunity to encourage, challenge, and refine one another.
Like the sharpening of iron, our interactions with one another can lead to growth, sharpening our character and faith as we walk together on this journey.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse, while not directly mentioning brotherly love, upholds the principle of love in action and demonstrates our responsibility to care for others. Showing kindness and meeting the needs of the poor is seen as lending to the Lord.
Brotherly love extends not only to other believers but also to those in need. It is a practical expression of our love for God and an opportunity to reflect His compassion and generosity.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
These verses urge believers to reject self-centeredness and pride, instead adopting an attitude of humility and considering the needs and interests of others as more important than our own.
This selfless love for one another requires an intentional shift away from selfish ambition and a genuine concern for the well-being of our fellow believers.
Colossians 2:2
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”
This verse highlights the connection between encouragement, unity, and love within the body of Christ. When we support and lift one another up, it leads to a deeper understanding and knowledge of Christ.
Brotherly love creates an environment that fosters spiritual growth, allowing believers to grasp the fullness of the Gospel and more fully comprehend the mystery of God’s redemptive plan.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
These words from Paul urge believers to actively pursue the task of encouraging and building up one another. Genuine brotherly love seeks to uplift, inspire, and support fellow believers in their faith journey.
We are called to be a source of strength and encouragement, offering hope and pointing others towards the truth of God’s Word.
Hebrews 13:1
“Let mutual love continue.”
This verse underlines the importance of ongoing and mutual love among believers. Brotherly love is not a one-time occurrence but an ongoing commitment to consistently demonstrate love towards one another.
As we continue to love one another, we contribute to the unity and cohesiveness of the body of Christ, creating an environment that fosters spiritual growth and mutual support.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
This verse calls believers to pursue harmonious relationships and to resist pride and conceit. Brotherly love requires humility, a willingness to associate with people from all walks of life, and a heart that is not puffed up with superiority.
In living out this kind of love, we create an atmosphere where all believers feel valued, accepted, and loved as equals in the body of Christ.