Young Adults' Group

Brotherly Love

by Pastor Mark
April 16, 2015

The practice of brotherly love

Love is a key feature of being part of the family of God. As members of this spiritual household, the practice of love should be foremost in our relationship with each other. It was the Lord Jesus who taught His disciples to have a deep sense love for one another. He taught it as a commandment for His disciples to undertake.  (John 13:34)

Paul emphasized it further with his focus on brotherly love, “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.” (1 Thes 4:9) The word “brotherly love” in Greek is a single word “filadelfias”. This is where you get the name of the city of “Philadelphia”. It is translated as love of a brother. We want to love each other as one brother’s love to another.

The good example of the Thessalonian church

Paul wrote that the Thessalonian church was able to learn about brotherly love directly from God. This is possible as part of the New Covenant in which God would write His Word upon the heart of the brethren. They were taught by God how to love each other as a brother should.

Paul highlighted this aspect of love in the church. He wrote of their example, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,” (1 Thes 1:3) They were a wonderful example in their labour of love. They had love for each other.

This was also reported by Timothy, “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love.” (1 Thes 3:6) The Thessalonian brethren had a good reputation of love. What a wonderful example of brotherly love for each other.

Commendation of the love of the Thessalonian church towards others

“And indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.”  (1 Thes 4:10)

The brotherly love that the church had was also demonstrated to other churches…like the brethren in Macedonia.

The Macedonian brethren are from a church from another region. Yet the Thessalonian brethren extended their love beyond their own. It was shown to other churches but with the same brotherly love. This is something truly outstanding of the church.

Increasing one’s capacity to love

“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more.” (1 Thes 4:10)

Paul and his fellow workers who had great insight concerning the needs of the church encouraged the Thessalonian church that they should increase in this brotherly love. They already showed a certain capacity to love. But they are able to increase their capacity to love. This was a challenge that Paul gave to the brethren.

In the same way, we need to understand our present capacity to love as a brother. We also want to pray to the Lord to increase our capacity to love. As it is a fruit of the Spirit, we need to cultivate this love in our life. Let us be challenged to show brotherly love to all who are in Bethany and to others outside.

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