Today, I want to talk to you about the importance of brotherly love.

The
concept of brotherly love is not new. It is found in the Bible and in many
other religious and cultural traditions. Brotherly love, also known as
fraternal love, is a type of love that is characterized by mutual respect,
kindness, and compassion between individuals, regardless of their
differences.

In the book of John, Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one
another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this,
everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another" (John
13:34-35).

This commandment to love one another is not just for Christians, but for all
of humanity. We are called to love our fellow human beings, regardless of
their race, gender, religion, or any other differences that may exist
between us. This type of love is not just a feeling, but an action. It requires
us to go out of our way to help others, to show kindness and empathy, and
to respect their dignity and worth as human beings.

Brotherly love is not just a moral obligation, but it is also good for our
mental and physical health. When we show kindness and compassion towards
others, we feel happier, more fulfilled, and less stressed. It is also good for
our relationships, both personal and professional.

However, showing brotherly love can be challenging, especially when we

encounter people who are different from us or who hold different beliefs.
It requires us to put aside our biases and prejudices and to try to
understand and appreciate others for who they are. It requires us to listen
to their stories, their struggles, and their perspectives, and to respond
with empathy and compassion.

Let us remember that brotherly love is not just a commandment, but it is

also a gift. It is a gift that we can give to ourselves and to others. So let us
go forth and love one another, just as Jesus commanded us to do, and let us
be known for our love and kindness towards one another.

1. "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." - John 13:34

2. "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever
loves has been born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7

3. "Let brotherly love continue." - Hebrews 13:1

4. "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more
significant than yourselves." - Philippians 2:3

5. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love
for one another.” - John 13:35

6. "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in

showing honor." - Romans 12:10

7. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." -

Galatians 6:2

8. "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put
away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." -
Ephesians 4:31-32

9. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as
you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

10. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works." - Hebrews 10:24

1. "Brotherly love is love of one's fellow-man, based on respect for him

as a person." - Thomas Aquinas
 2. "Brotherly love is the greatest of all social virtues." - Marcus Tullius

3. "Brotherly love is the foundation of all virtue." - John Locke

4. "The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of
unconditional love and acceptance." - Brian Tracy

5. "Brotherly love is the key to the solution of the problems of the

world." - Martin Luther King Jr.

6. "Let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone that loves is
born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7 (Bible)

Brotherly love, also known as fraternal love, is important for several

reasons:

1. Promotes unity and harmony: When people have love and respect for
each other, it promotes unity and harmony within the family,
community, and society as a whole. It helps to create an atmosphere
of peace, understanding, and cooperation.

2. Fosters forgiveness and reconciliation: Brotherly love encourages

forgiveness, which is essential for healing relationships and moving
forward. When people show love and compassion to each other, it
becomes easier to reconcile and resolve conflicts.

3. Creates a support system: Brotherly love provides emotional, mental,

and physical support to individuals in need. It offers a sense of
belonging and acceptance, which is essential for mental and emotional
well-being.

4. Demonstrates a Christ-like character: Brotherly love is a reflection of

Christ's character, which teaches us to love our neighbors as
ourselves. It helps to demonstrate the love of Christ to the world and
shows others that we are followers of Christ.
 5. Creates a positive impact on society: When people show brotherly love
to each other, it creates a positive impact on society. It inspires
others to act with kindness and compassion and helps to create a
better world.

Brotherly love is important because it promotes unity, fosters forgiveness

and reconciliation, creates a support system, demonstrates a Christ-like
character, and creates a positive impact on society.

Brotherly love is a concept that is found in the Old Testament, although the
term itself may not always be used. The Old Testament speaks of the love
between brothers and the importance of treating one another with respect
and kindness. Here are a few examples:

1. Cain and Abel: In the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), Cain becomes
jealous of his brother Abel and kills him. This shows the danger of
envy and the importance of loving one's brother rather than resenting
him.

2. Jacob and Esau: The story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25-33) shows
the complicated relationship between two brothers. Jacob steals
Esau's birthright and blessing, causing resentment and conflict
between them. However, in the end, they are able to reconcile and
forgive one another.

3. Joseph and his brothers: The story of Joseph and his brothers
(Genesis 37-50) is a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and forgiveness.
Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery out of jealousy, but later
Joseph forgives them and shows them kindness.
In the absence of brotherly love, other negative emotions and behaviors
may take root and cause harm in society. Without brotherly love, there may
be more hostility, conflict, and division among people. This can lead to a
breakdown in relationships, mistrust, and lack of cooperation.

Instead of brotherly love, fear, anger, and selfishness may reign, causing
people to act in their own self-interest and neglect the needs of others.
This can result in inequality, injustice, and a lack of empathy towards those
who are different from us.

Overall, the absence of brotherly love can contribute to a negative and

unhealthy societal atmosphere that can lead to problems like discrimination,
violence, and a lack of social cohesion.

Several hindrances can prevent or damage brotherly love. Here are a few
examples:

1. Selfishness: When people focus only on their own needs and desires,
they tend to neglect the needs of others. This selfish attitude can
damage relationships and prevent brotherly love from flourishing.

Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain

conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not
looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of
the others."

James 3:16 - "For where you have envy and selfish ambition,
there you find disorder and every evil practice."

Galatians 5:19-21 - "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual

immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,
dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not
inherit the kingdom of God."
 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not
envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor
others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no
record of wrongs."

2. Pride: When people think highly of themselves, they tend to look down
on others and believe they are better than them. This attitude can
create resentment and bitterness, preventing brotherly love from
developing.

Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit

before a fall."

Proverbs 8:13 - "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride
and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."

James 4:6 - "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture

says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

1 Peter 5:5-6 - "In the same way, you who are younger, submit
yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with
humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but
shows favor to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under
God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

3. Jealousy: When people are jealous of others, they tend to harbor

negative feelings, which can lead to bitterness and hostility. Jealousy
can prevent brotherly love from developing and can even destroy
existing relationships.
 James 3:14-16 - "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish
ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly,
unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish
ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."

1 Corinthians 13:4 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not

envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Galatians 5:19-21 - "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual

immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;
hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,
dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not
inherit the kingdom of God."

4. Unforgiveness: When people hold grudges and refuse to forgive, it can

damage relationships and prevent brotherly love from developing.
Unforgiveness can create bitterness and resentment, leading to a
breakdown in communication and a lack of trust.

Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin
against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you
do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your
sins."

Mark 11:25 - "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything
against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may
forgive you your sins."
 Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another
if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the
Lord forgave you."

Luke 17:3-4 - "So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister

sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.
Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times
come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them."

5. Lack of communication: When people fail to communicate effectively,

it can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and a breakdown
in relationships. A lack of communication can prevent brotherly love
from developing and can even cause existing relationships to
deteriorate.

Ephesians 4:29 - "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of
your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up
according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

James 1:19 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry."

Proverbs 15:1 - "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh
word stirs up anger."

Hindrances to brotherly love can include selfishness, pride, jealousy,

Unforgiveness, and a lack of communication. It is important to address
these hindrances and work towards building healthy and loving relationships
with others.

some ways to overcome hindrances to brotherly love:

1. Practice humility: By practicing humility, we can overcome pride and

selfishness. We can acknowledge that we are not perfect and that we
need the help and support of others.

2. Cultivate gratitude: By cultivating gratitude, we can appreciate the

good things in our lives and the positive qualities of others. Gratitude
can help us overcome jealousy and bitterness towards others.

3. Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential for overcoming

hindrances to brotherly love. We must learn to forgive others for
their mistakes and shortcomings, just as we hope others will forgive
us for ours.

4. Improve communication: Communication is key to building strong and

healthy relationships. We must learn to communicate effectively,
listen to others, and seek to understand their perspectives.

5. Show kindness and compassion: By showing kindness and compassion

towards others, we can create a positive environment that fosters
brotherly love. We should strive to be helpful, considerate, and
understanding towards others.

6. Seek help if needed: If we are struggling with hindrances to brotherly

love, we should seek help from trusted friends, family members, or
professionals. Sometimes, it may be necessary to seek counseling or
therapy to overcome deep-seated issues that are preventing us from
showing brotherly love.
 7. Pray for others: We can demonstrate brotherly love by praying for
others, asking God to bless and protect them, and lifting up their
needs before Him.

8. Serve others: We can serve others by volunteering our time and

talents to help those in need, whether it's in our community, church,
or other organizations.

Proverbs 25:28 - "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a

person who lacks self-control."

To overcome challenges to loving one another, we need to foster humility,

cultivate thankfulness, exercise forgiveness, strengthen communication,
exhibit kindness and compassion, and ask for assistance when necessary.
We can build solid and wholesome relationships with others that are
founded on love, trust, and respect if we make an effort to get past these
challenges.

We may make a beneficial impact in the lives of others and establish solid,
enduring relationships founded on love, trust, and respect if we put these
valuable behaviors of brotherly love into practice.

Brotherly love, like any other human relationship, can have its downsides.
Here are some examples:

1. Disappointment: When we show love and care to others, we may have

high expectations of them in return. When these expectations are not
met, we can experience disappointment and hurt.

2. Betrayal: When we trust others with our emotions and vulnerability,

we run the risk of being betrayed. This can cause us to feel hurt,
angry, and resentful towards the person who betrayed us.
 3. Codependency: Sometimes, brotherly love can turn into a codependent
relationship, where one person relies too heavily on the other for
emotional support and validation. This can lead to an unhealthy dynamic
where one person is always giving and the other is always taking.

4. Conflict: When two people have different opinions or values, it can

lead to conflict and tension in the relationship. This can be difficult to
navigate and can strain the bond of brotherly love.

5. Over commitment: When we care deeply for others, we may find

ourselves over committing to their needs and neglecting our own self-
care. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion.

While it's vital to identify and take into account a situation's negative
features, focusing just on them can be harmful to one's mental and
emotional health. Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair can
result from a constant focus on the negative.

Additionally, solely looking at the negative can prevent one from seeing
opportunities for growth and improvement. By recognizing both the positive
and negative aspects of a situation, one can make more informed decisions
and take actions that lead to positive outcomes.

Furthermore, excessive negativity can impact how we interact with others

and how they perceive us. People are generally more attracted to positivity
and optimism, and constantly focusing on the negative can push others away.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (ESV)

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I
am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have
not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,
but have not love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not
arrogant
5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or
resentful;
6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things.
8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for
tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I
reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I
know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest
of these is love.

Remember

In 1 Samuel 20:17, Jonathan addresses David, saying, "May the Lord be

between you and me, and between your offspring and my offspring,
forever." This assertion demonstrates how close they were and how
enduring brotherly love is.
In spite of challenging circumstances, the two brothers in this story show
selfless love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It motivates us to develop similar
connections with individuals around us in our own lives, valuing and assisting
them despite their position or status.