Brotherly love, as emphasized in the Bible, goes beyond familial bonds, extending to a love that mirrors the unconditional and selfless love of Christ. In these “30 Bible Verses About Brotherly Love,” we explore the scriptural wisdom that encourages believers to cultivate a genuine and compassionate love for one another.
Each verse is accompanied by commentary to deepen understanding and inspire the practice of this essential aspect of Christian living.
Bible Verses About Brotherly Love
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
The call to excel in showing honor underscores the idea that brotherly love involves not only affection but also a genuine desire to uplift and honor others.
1 John 4:20-21
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
The inseparable connection between loving God and loving one’s brother emphasizes the tangible expression of love in our relationships.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
“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.”
The innate understanding of brotherly love as a divine teaching reinforces its importance in the Christian journey.
Hebrews 13:1
“Let brotherly love continue.”
A simple yet powerful reminder to maintain and nurture the ongoing practice of brotherly love in the Christian community.
1 Peter 1:22
“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”
The purification of souls through obedience to truth lays the foundation for earnest and sincere brotherly love.
Colossians 3:14
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Love serves as the unifying force that harmonizes relationships, making brotherly love essential for the unity of the body of Christ.
John 13:34-35
“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. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus’ revolutionary command to love as He loved becomes the defining mark of true discipleship.
1 John 3:14
“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.”
The transformative power of brotherly love is highlighted, signifying a transition from spiritual death to life.
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
Freedom in Christ is coupled with the responsibility to serve one another through selfless love.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Let all that you do be done in love.”
A comprehensive exhortation to infuse all actions with the motivation of love, including interactions within the community.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Humility, gentleness, and patience are essential elements in fostering brotherly love and preserving the unity of the Spirit.
1 John 2:9-10
“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him, there is no cause for stumbling.”
Love for one’s brother is a litmus test for one’s spiritual condition, indicating whether one abides in the light or remains in darkness.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
The enduring nature of brotherly love is highlighted, especially in times of adversity.
James 2:8
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
Brotherly love aligns with the royal law of loving one’s neighbor as oneself, signifying fulfillment of God’s commands.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
A holistic approach to Christian living includes cultivating brotherly love along with unity, sympathy, tenderness, and humility.
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
The mutual influence within brotherly relationships is compared to the sharpening of iron, signifying growth and refinement.
1 John 3:16
“By this, we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
The sacrificial nature of brotherly love is grounded in the example of Christ, who laid down His life for believers.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Brotherly love is characterized by its commitment to doing no harm to others, aligning with the fulfillment of God’s law.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
A practical aspect of brotherly love involves addressing conflicts with a spirit of reconciliation, seeking restoration in relationships.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
The famous “Love Chapter” defines the multifaceted nature of love, providing a comprehensive guide for practicing brotherly love.
Romans 14:10
“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
A call to refrain from passing judgment on brothers emphasizes the shared accountability before God’s judgment seat.
1 John 4:7-8
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
The origin of brotherly love is traced to God, emphasizing that true knowledge of God is inseparable from the practice of love.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly since love covers a multitude of sins.”
A profound recognition that earnest love contributes to the covering of sins, fostering an environment of grace and forgiveness.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
The contrast between hatred and love is illustrated by the impact on relationships—love covering offenses and promoting unity.
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Jesus reiterates the command to love one another, pointing to His sacrificial love as the standard for believers.
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”
The call to refrain from retaliation and actively pursue good aligns with the principle of brotherly love.
Proverbs 19:22
“What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.”
Steadfast love is esteemed, emphasizing its value over deceitful actions.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
The practice of brotherly love involves shouldering each other’s burdens, embodying the law of Christ.
1 John 3:11
“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.”
The consistent message throughout Scripture is the call to love one another, reinforcing its foundational importance.
1 Corinthians 13:13
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Love is esteemed as the greatest virtue, emphasizing its central role in the Christian life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Parents Love (With Commentary)