Every topic the Bible discusses is of great value.  There are some matters, however, that the Bible refers to over and over again.  To be sure, those are things to which we should pay close attention.  One of those topics is brotherly love.  The importance of brotherly love can be seen in what Paul wrote to the brethren at Thessalonica.

1 Thessalonians 4:9–10 (ESV)
⁹ Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, ¹⁰ for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,

The Greek word for brotherly love is philadelphia and refers to “the love of brothers” or “fraternal affection.”  This is a characteristic that takes time to develop.  To have brotherly love for someone necessitates cultivating a relationship with that person.  This is why it is so important for brethren to spend time together like they did in the first-century church (Acts 2:44).  It is the best way to grow in this area.

The saints at Thessalonica obviously did this.  They practiced brotherly love, not just among themselves at Thessalonica, but with their brethren throughout Macedonia.  Still, Paul exhorts them to “do this more and more.”  We can see what a high priority Paul placed on brethren loving one another.  Even more importantly, Jesus made this a high priority first.

John 13:34–35 (ESV)
³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Loving one another is a badge of our discipleship.  It shows that we are learners of Christ because His love was the greatest of all.  If we follow Him like we should, we will love the way He did.  It was His unique love, a love that was sacrificial and unconditional, that caused Him to refer to it as a “new commandment.”  Love itself was an old commandment (Leviticus 19:18), but the love demonstrated by Jesus was new, it is the kind of love that we must show one another.

The need for brotherly love is also seen in the exhortation given by the Hebrews writer.  It is short and sweet.

Hebrews 13:1 (ESV)
¹ Let brotherly love continue.

“Let” is a verb in the imperative mood.  The imperative is the mood that normally expresses a command.  The Hebrews writer is not just setting forth a personal desire.  Instead, he is writing by inspiration and setting forth a divine directive.  God is telling us that we must love one another.

When Paul told the brethren at Thessalonica to love each other more and more, he did so in the broader context of striving to please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2).  If we are going to live lives that please God, loving one another is essential.  Let’s make sure to make this a high priority.             

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.