“Let brotherly love continue.” – Hebrews 13:1
Comment: Brotherly love is that godly and kind affection a true disciple of Jesus Christ shows to another true disciple or disciples. I say true, because there are false brethren. – Romans 12:10; 1Thessalonia 4:9
The love between Jonathan the son of King Saul and David who later became King sums up brotherly love (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19; 20) At the death of Jonathan in a battle with the Philistines, David lamented “How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!” (2 Samuel 1:25-27).
Of the brotherly love showed by Priscilla and Aquila St Paul had this to say, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks…. Romans 16:3-4.
Jesus Christ during his first advent on earth in answer to a question, made it clear that the two greatest commandments are the love of God number one and love of one’s neighbour or brother/sister (Matthew 22:37-39). He emphasized to the 12 Apostles in John 13:34,35, that love of one’s neighbour or of one another is a mark of true discipleship. Read also John 15:12.
Are you a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Prove it by showing love to God Almighty first and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF.
Prayer: Our heavenly Father Jehovah, we pray Thee help Your children to love without dissimulation so that brotherly love continues to radiate as light to your glory and praise through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.