“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; “- Romans 12:10 NKJV
“Brotherly, dey my back, I go protect you!” This line from a Nigerian movie captures a powerful picture. A man told his brother to hide behind him during a shootout, choosing to shield him from harm. This selfless act, this love in action, is what Scripture calls us to. It’s about protecting, covering, and preferring another above self.
Our anchor text points us to brotherly love with genuine affection. This love is not casual fondness, but one that binds a family together. In Christ, we are no longer strangers but members of one household. To prefer another above yourself is to take on the heart of Christ, who gave His life for you. Brotherly love is not just a feeling; it’s a transformative power that can change lives and relationships. It’s about seeing every believer as family, treating them with the care and honour you show your blood relatives.
Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The actual proof of your faith is not in titles, gifts, or church attendance, but in how you love the brethren. Loving other believers is evidence that eternal life is at work in you (1 John 3:14). It’s this love that unites us, making us part of a larger community —a family in Christ.
Love is a hallmark of the Christian life. It is patient, forgiving, and restorative. It bears with faults, embraces gentleness, and preserves unity. As Peter writes, ‘Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins’ (1 Peter 4:8). Fervent love is a love that is intense, passionate, and unwavering. It is not a passive feeling, but an active commitment to the well-being of others. Love is not an addition to the Christian life; it is its very essence (1 Corinthians 16:14).
It is important to emphasize that true love for God is shown in how we love His children (1 John 5:1). When God’s love fills your hearts, it cannot coexist with hatred toward a brother or sister (1 John 4:20). This love is more than a feeling; it is the evidence that the light of Christ is alive within us, shaping our relationships and drawing us to be more like him. (1 John 2:10)
Dear believer, you are not the only child in God’s kingdom. You belong to a divine family, and every saint is your brother or sister in Christ. Continue in love toward them (Hebrews 13:1) by honouring, forgiving, protecting, and standing in the gap through interceding in prayer for them, offering support in times of need, and being a source of encouragement. As you do, you reveal the life of God to a watching world.
SAY THIS: I walk in love toward the saints. I honour and protect my brothers and sisters in Christ. As I do this, God’s love is perfected in me. As I love others, I become more like God, who is love. And through me, others see the life of Christ.
Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 37–38; Philippians 1:21–2:11