What Brotherly Love Does for Us

    In the list of "Christian Graces" in 2 Peter 1:5-7, we see in that list brotherly kindness.  Brotherly kindness or love has been defined as the love that Christians have for one another.  It is that love that seeks the best for others within the family of God.  Brotherly love is important to the body of Christ.  God has commanded that we love one another in this way (1 Thessalonians 4:9).  Jesus said His disciples would be known by their love for another (John 13:35).  Brotherly love is a part of that good that that we should cling to (Romans 12:9-10).  Brotherly love helps the body of Christ in many ways.

    Brotherly love bonds and unifies the church.  By giving honor and preference to one another and serving one another (Romans 12:10,11) and by looking out for the interest of others in the body (Philipians 2:3-4), the body is strengthened.  With this attitude, stumbling blocks will be greatly reduced.

    Brotherly love sees to the physical needs of the body.   The early church was gracious in sharing with others (Acts 2:44-45), 4:32-35).   They met needs in a timely manner (Acts 6:1-7).  Physical needs were taken care of without a thought of receiving something in return (See Luke 10:25-37).

    Brotherly love sees after the spiritual needs of others.  In Galations 6:1, we are encouraged to restore those overtaken in any trespass in a spirit of gentleness.  James states that to turn one back to the truth will save a soul from death (James 5:19-20).  Our brotherly love will uphold the weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

    Brotherly love also sees after emotional needs.   The Bible commands us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15).  In 1 Corinthians 12:26, we are taught that if any member of the body suffers all the members suffer with it and if one member is honored all the members rejoice with it.  Brotherly love is the open arm of caring and the willing shoulder of despairing.  How we need to exhibit brotherly love!

By Greg Neill