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All men are objects of God's compassion; and we are required to approve ourselves His children by manifesting a like spirit of love towards all men (Leviticus 19:18; Luke 10:25-37). But as a man, while cherishing affection for every man, is required also to have special affection or his country, near kindred, and very specially his parents, wife, and children; so a Christian is required to cultivate a peculiar affection towards his fellow-Christians.

I. THE GROUND OR REASON OF THIS SPECIAL BROTHERLY AFFECTION. Their common special relationship to God and through Him to each other. They are "all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." The model for this love is the example furnished by Him who is "the Firstborn among many brethren" (John 15:12, 13; 1 John 3:16; Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 5:1, 2). The special reasons are —

1. The world's hatred (John 15:18, 19; Mark 10:28-30). It was doubtless in anticipation of the manifestation of this affection.

2. The more effectual advancement of Christ's kingdom in the world (John 13:31-35; John 17:11-21).

3. That the mutual oversight and care necessary to promote each other's spiritual perfection might be ensured (Philippians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:24; Colossians 3:16; Galatians 5:13).

II. ITS SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS.

1. Kindly or family affection. The word φιλόστοργος expresses properly the strong natural affection between parents and children. Love here is within a sacred enclosure, being more conscious of a common interest, and more profoundly affected by the joy or grief, the success or failure of any one within the circle. On this account it is more jealous of the character and reputation of its objects, because of the consciousness that anything disreputable on the part of one brings discredit, on the whole. It is also more sensitive, because of its greater intensity, being painfully alive to things which outside that sacred circle would hardly be considered worthy of notice.

2. Emulousness to take the lead in showing respect to the brethren. "In honour preferring one another" (Philippians 2:3). The apostle's meaning is not that, in respect to honour, we are to strive to excel or to anticipate each other; although of course there is a sphere for legitimate rivalry. And as every one may lawfully covet earnestly the best gifts, so every one ought to endeavour so to excel in all goodness. But it is more agreeable to the context to render, "In yielding, or giving honour to each other, taking the lead," i.e., Let every one of you so love the brethren as to set an example of true Christian courtesy.

(W. Tyson.)

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KJV: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

WEB: In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;