The concept of brotherly love is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of love, unity, and mutual care among believers. This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through actions and attitudes that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding brotherly love, particularly within the context of the Israelite community. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the importance of love and forgiveness among the people of God, setting a standard for interpersonal relationships.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament expands on the concept of brotherly love, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself emphasized love as the greatest commandment, stating in Matthew 22:39, "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" This commandment is foundational for Christian ethics and is echoed throughout the New Testament.

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of brotherly love in his epistles. In Romans 12:10, he exhorts believers, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." Here, Paul highlights the importance of devotion and honor among believers, encouraging them to prioritize the well-being of others.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:9, Paul acknowledges the Thessalonian church's practice of brotherly love, stating, "Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." This passage suggests that brotherly love is an inherent aspect of the Christian life, taught by God Himself.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of brotherly love. His sacrificial love is the model for how believers are to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This commandment emphasizes that the love among believers is a testimony to the world of their identity as followers of Christ.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to love one another. In Galatians 5:22, Paul lists love as the first fruit of the Spirit, indicating that true brotherly love is a result of the Spirit's work in the life of a believer. The Spirit empowers Christians to overcome selfishness and to love others selflessly, as Christ loved.

Practical Expressions of Brotherly Love

Brotherly love is expressed in various practical ways within the Christian community. Acts of kindness, hospitality, forgiveness, and support are tangible expressions of this love. Hebrews 13:1-2 encourages believers, "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This passage highlights the importance of ongoing love and hospitality as expressions of faith.

Challenges and Encouragements

While brotherly love is a high calling, it is not without challenges. Conflicts, misunderstandings, and human weaknesses can hinder the expression of love. However, believers are encouraged to persevere in love, seeking reconciliation and unity. Ephesians 4:2-3 urges, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

In summary, the love of brothers, or brotherly love, is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Christ. It is a love that transcends mere emotion, manifesting in actions that reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 18:24
A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Nave's Topical Index

Songs 8:1
O that you were as my brother, that sucked the breasts of my mother! when I should find you without, I would kiss you; yes, I should not be despised.
Nave's Topical Index

5361. philadelphos -- loving one's brother
... friend" and 80 , "brother") -- "brotherly," referring to the love between fellow
family-members -- ie () people in (used only in 1 Pet 3:8). See 5360 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5361.htm - 7k

5360. philadelphia -- the love of brothers, brotherly love
... brotherly love Definition: brotherly love, love of Christian brethren. 5360 (from
5384 , "loving friend" and 80 , "a brother") -- properly, affection for the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5360.htm - 7k

1730. dod -- beloved, love, uncle
... well-beloved, father's brother, love, uncle. Or (shortened) dod {dode}; from
an unused root meaning properly, to boil, ie (figuratively ...
/hebrew/1730.htm - 6k

That He who Loves his Brother, Loves God; Because He Loves Love ...
... When, therefore, we love our brother from love, we love our brother from God; neither
can it be that we do not love above all else that same love by which we ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 8 that he who loves.htm

How Brother Juniper Gave all that He had to the Poor for the Love ...
... A few days afterwards, a poor half-naked man asked an alms of Brother Juniper for
the love of God, who answered him with great compassion: "I have nothing ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter iv how brother juniper.htm

How Brother Juniper Took Certain Little Bells from the Altar, and ...
... And as he was absorbed in devout meditations, a poor woman came asking an alms of
him for the love of God. To whom Brother Juniper made answer: "Wait a while ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter v how brother juniper.htm

The Arts by which Origen Studies to Keep Gregory and his Brother ...
... VI."The Arts by Which Origen Studies to Keep Gregory and His Brother Athenodorus
with Him, Although It Was Almost Against Their Will; And the Love by Which ...
/.../the oration and panegyric addressed to origen/argument vi the arts by which.htm

That Love in this Life Takes Its Origin but not Its Excellence ...
... do?" And S. Bonaventure replied: "The grace to be able to love God is sufficient."
"Nay, but Father," replied Brother Giles, "can an ignorant man love God as ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that love in.htm

Or Take the Following Hymn, which Surely Embodies a Noble ...
... So grant us peace in these our days,. Not strife that slays. The brother's love
Thou dost commend; Thou mak'st the welfare of my State,. Envy and hate. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/or take the following hymn.htm

"The Fruit of the Spirit is Love"
... That I cannot see God, but I must love my brother, and God will dwell in me? ... If
the love of God is in your heart you will love your brother. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/the fruit of the spirit.htm

Address in Lambeth Chapel, at the First Session of the Lambeth ...
... We shall not have met in vain if out of the love learned of Him we give each to
the other, and to all fellow-laborers for Him, a brother's love, a brother's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/iv address in lambeth chapel.htm

That Charity and Brotherly Affection are to be Religiously and ...
... place: "If any one shall say that he loves God, and hates his brother, he is a liar:
for he who loveth not his brother whom he seeth, how can he love God whom ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/3 that charity and brotherly.htm

Grace and Holiness.
... In the New Testament the emphasis is laid again and again upon
brother-love, or love of the brethren, and the brotherhood. This ...
//christianbookshelf.org/thomas/the prayers of st paul/i grace and holiness.htm

Is Jesus our brother? | GotQuestions.org

How can a friend stick closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was James, the brother of Jesus, in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Brother: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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