I. Called ’brotherly’ because we are spiritual kin.
Ephesians 2:19, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,"
Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,"
1 Timothy 5:1, "Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity."
II. Brotherly love is a test of our spiritual condition. Christ enjoined it as the ’new commandment’ of the Church Age:
John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." 15:12, 17, "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you ....This I command you, that you love one another."
- A test whether we are in the light or still in darkness. 1 John 2:9-10, "The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
- A test whether we are reborn of God or not. 1 John 3:10, "By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother."
- A test of whether we have spiritual life or still are dead. 1 John 3:14, "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death."
III. How is brotherly love shown?
Holy Kiss. Romans 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14.
I am not suggesting that this kiss is mandatory; however, Christians should be inclined to show holy warmth toward each other.
Encourage Each Other. Hebrews 10:24-25; 3:12-13.
A. Special emphasis on the backward and immature - 1 Corinthians 12:22-23.
Demonstrate personal interest and care. Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:25-26.
Caring in Crisis - Matthew 25:34-40.
Refrain from Gossip. James 1:26; Proverbs 6:16-19; 16:27-28; Romans 14:19.
Showing Forbearance and Forgiveness. Ephesians 4:2, 32; Colossians 3:13.
Restoring the Erring. Galatians 6:1.
