“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, 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...”
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 ESV
We talk a lot In church about agape love, the unearned, selfless kind of love that God has for us and that we are called to have for those whom we find difficult to love. But here and in many other places God calls us to abound in “brotherly love,” philadelphía, the mutual expression of love between equals, between brothers and sisters.
As this scripture says, God Himself teaches us, moves in our hearts to show this kind of love to our fellow Christians. It’s seen as a clear indication of the presence of His Spirit in our lives.
And then He encourages us to “do this more and more.” He calls us to major in this; to show love in practical ways to other Christians. Be watching for opportunities to meet someone’s need with a loving act of kindness.
Lord, open my eyes to the opportunities You put in my life today to love other Christians. Let your presence in my life be seen in acts of kindness, so that You are exalted and hearts are drawn closer to You. Amen!