1 John 2:10 KJV
[10] He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
Brotherly love is so vital within the church. The devil knows if he can cause division or strife in any assembly, he can weaken their spiritual power. This will cause the people to lose focus and get off track. If they do manage to carry on, things will become mechanical and their passion for things of God will be drastically altered. They will become a church of performance rather than a church of power.
John teaches in this verse that brotherly love is an act of obedience. When we display brotherly love, we are abiding in the light of God’s Word. We are to love the brethren because it is biblical. We do not get to pick and choose, nor do we hold a grudge when we feel a brother is not displaying love back.
Another reason we are to show brotherly love is because it strengthens the brethren. Brotherly love is a great example and expression of God’s love. This helps other brothers along the way. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:8 “Charity never faileth…”. Just as it’s never right to show hate, it is always right to show love.
Love never compromises, love never criticizes and love never categorizes. Love is balanced, love is bold, love is beautiful, and love is beneficial. Love helps those who are discouraged, those who are defeated, and those who are despised. I challenge us all to strive now more than ever to show Christian love. Let’s help others along the way today with acts of love. Find some brother who needs to be loved and reach out to him. Go the extra mile by helping him or fellowshipping with him. Ask God to put a brother in your path that is about to stumble and allow the love of God to work through you toward them.