WHAT IS BROTHERLY LOVE
Hebrew 13:1-3
2 Corin. 8:1-15
The most essential quality Christ expects in the life of all believers is love. It is the foundation and fulcrum on which the Christian faith rests. "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself" (Gal. 5:14). It is the most visible identification when people around us behold the measure of love we show towards one another (John 13:35).
Love becomes more pronounced when it is shown among believers in Christ. It is not surprising then that the Holy Spirit through Apostle Paul admonishes us: "Let brotherly love continue".
Brotherly love consists of Christian affection, hospitality,, empathy towards the less privileged or afflicted, giving to others, especially those who are of the household of faith, and a Christlike attitude towards others. Those who profess faith in Christ must show by their works of righteousness that they are genuine. Buoyed by the same doctrine, John the Beloved said, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18). Believers therefore must ensure they are full of work towards other people since faith works by LOVE.
The brethren in the Macedonian churches showed by example, the profound nature of brotherly love and kindness. Their acts of liberality was so pronounced that Apostle Paul's commendation was their willingness to part with their resources even when they had little of it. "How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality" (2 Corinthians 8:2). Their attitude should provoke us to do more for the brethren and the church of God.
In His love for the disciples, Christ served them. Since "the servant is not greater than his lord...", we also must follow His example by serving our brethren in love. To do this, we must put aside our status in society and see service as a privilege given to us by God. Offenses, misunderstandings,
and misrepresentations may arise within the fold, yet brotherly love should continue.