Love the Brethren

Carl Witty

“Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.” (I Pet. 1:22) One of the early Pagan writers observed of Christians: “how these Christians love one another!”  The apostle John wrote of “That which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.” (2 Jno. 5)  Evidently their true relationship in Christ was made obvious by their abundant love for each other.  Jesus had predicted: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jno. 13:35)

Brotherly love or kindness is defined by Webster – “of or pertaining to brothers; becoming to brothers; kind; affectionate; as brotherly love; affectionately, kindly.”  “Brotherly love (kindness) is from the Greek word Philadelphis, literally, love of the brethren.”  Philos denotes a love which is founded upon “sense and emotion.” This is the kind of love one has for his brother and friend.  Love produces respect and devotion toward those one loves.

Paul’s commendation of Philemon is the basis on which he makes a very special request regarding the runaway slave, Onesimus.  He writes: “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.” (Philemon 4-7)   How refreshing it is to our spirits to see the demonstration of brotherly love!  Paul believed that Philemon would receive Onesimus back, not just as a slave, but as a beloved brother.  Evidently (verses 10-16) Onesimus had become a Christian during his stay with Paul.  Now Philemon’s brotherly love would be tested in a new way.

As a gauge outside a container may show the depth of water inside the container, so brotherly love shows the depth of our love for God.  John reasons: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (1 John 4:20)

There is no good substitute for love.  Money, and the things it will buy, will not take the place of the tender affection every child needs from his father and mother.  Time spent will not substitute for love.  Attendance at worship services will not take the place of love!

Many professions – lawyer, physician, businessman, may succeed without genuine love for the client.  However, no one can succeed as a Christian without brotherly love.  The possession of spiritual gifts was highly valued in the early church, but Paul shows a “more excellent way” (I Cor. 12:31b).  “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing.” (I Cor. 13:1-3)

The possession of these marvelous gifts and the ability to use them could not profit unless motivated by love.  The most extreme example, the giving of oneself as a martyr, could not be substituted for brotherly love.

In times of trouble, brotherly love causes us to cling to one another – to “be there” when we are so needed.  We love because we are in the same family with God as our Father, Christ our elder brother, and the Holy Spirit to fill our lives.  Love builds us up, strengthens us for our daily struggles, and keeps us from becoming bitter against one another.

It is natural for Christians to love one another.  In Romans 12:10 – Paul writes: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”  We have a very special bond in Christ.  Many years ago, J. Swain and William Bradbury combined their talents in producing the following song:

How Sweet, How Heavenly

“How sweet, how heavenly, is the sight, when those that love the Lord, in one another’s peace delight, and so fulfill the word.  When each can feel his brother’s sigh, and with him bear a part; when sorrow flows from eye to eye, and joy from heart to heart.  When free from envy, scorn and pride, our wishes all above, each can his brother’s failings hide, and show a brother’s love.  When love in one delightful stream through every bosom flows; when union sweet and dear esteem in every action glows.  Love is the golden chain that binds the happy souls above; and he’s an heir of heav’n who finds his bosom glow with love.”