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As the clouds which soar in the air are to the universal mass of waters, so are the brotherhood of God's renewed children to the whole human family. Of mankind these brothers are in origin and nature; but they have been drawn out and up from the rest by an unseen omnipotent law.

1. Love to the brotherhood is an instinctive emotion. It is not an accident, but a nature. It springs in renewed hearts, as love of her offspring springs in a mother's breast. It is the result not of an artificial policy, but of a natural law. The new creature exercises instincts as well as the old.

2. The Lord Jesus was not satisfied with the measure of this affection which existed among His followers during His personal ministry. "That they all may be one," was His prayer; "Love one another," was His command.

3. Those who are destitute of this affection themselves are acute enough to observe the want or weakness of it in Christians.

4. Brotherly love among Christians, when it really exists, honours the Lord and propagates the gospel. It has convinced many who resisted harder arguments.

5. It is the most pleasant of all emotions to the person who exercises it.

6. Love of the brotherhood is the command of God, and, consequently, the duty of men; but another thing goes before it to prepare its way. Before you can love the brotherhood, you must be a brother. It is the new creature that experiences this hallowed affection.

(W. Arnot.)

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KJV: Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

WEB: Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.