Phileo Love – Brotherly Love
Brotherly love is phileo love. It is the intimate love that Christians show toward each other. It also describes the deep emotional bond between best friends. Phileo love is the most general type of love mentioned in Scripture. It is the encompassing love for other people and the care, compassion, and respect for people in need. This brotherly love that unites believers is unique to Christianity. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (NIV)
An excellent example of brotherly love is the relationship between David and Jonathan. The deep friendship and loyalty between them also extended to their families. Jonathan was David’s ally when his father, King Saul, was trying to kill him. After Jonathan was killed in battle, David became King of Israel. He learned that Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth was still alive. He did not go to battle because he had been crippled as a child. David found Mephibosheth, and out of his love and respect for Jonathan, moved him to the palace. Mephibosheth ate at the king’s table for the rest of his life.
The Word of God instructs us how to walk in brotherly love. Below are a few of the Scriptures that talk about love and how we are to treat each other.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
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,….. I Thessalonians 4:9
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Hebrews 13:1-3
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10
Walking in love toward all people should be our highest priority. As far as God is concerned, there is NO situation that excuses us from walking in love toward anyone. We will explore the love of God in greater detail in the days ahead. Just know that YOU are valuable, precious and loved by God Almighty.
Living Word Ministries 2019
