The Importance of Brotherly Love
Introduction:
Let’s deal with the question of why we should demonstrate brotherly love toward
one another. As we grow up in Christ, our love for others will
grow. Christian growth and brotherly love work hand in hand. It is
impossible to have one w/o the other! It is important to examine what God
has said about brotherly love. This we will attempt to do in this
morning’s lesson.
I. What does the Bible say?
A. 1 Jhn. 4:7-21 -
John's account needs to be read & applied by many today!
1. v. 7-8 - true love has it's
origin in God! God doesn't approve of anything less!
2. v. 9-10 - Why does God love
us? Refer to Jhn. 3:16; Gen. 1:26-27
3. v. 12 - loving one another
enables God to accomplish His purpose in us.
4. v. 16-19 - those who
demonstrate true love have nothing to fear on judgment!
5. v. 20-21 - we demonstrate
our love for God through brotherly love!
B. Heb. 13:1-3 - an obligation of each & every
Christian!
C. Jhn. 15:12-17 - Christ
thought brotherly love important!
D. Rom. 13:8-10
E. Gal. 5:13-15 - involves our attitude. How is
your attitude?
F. Jas. 2:8 - must act upon our love! Love is
not partial!
G. 1 Thess. 4:9-10 - must follow in their footsteps
H. 1 Pet. 1:22; 3:8-9 - we
have been called to this!
I. 1 Jhn. 3:10-23 - God
wants us to manifest our love!
II. The Bible also teaches us:
A. We have no right to judge
who is worthy of our love.
1. Rom. 5:8; 1 Jhn. 4:10 - Are we worthy of God's love? He loved us
first!
2. Can't reconcile oneself to
God unless we reconcile ourselves to brethren!
B. God will not hear our prayers if we do not love our
brethren.
1. 1 Jhn.
3:18-23 - God doesn't condone this behavior.
C. No love for brethren? Heaven will not be
reached!
1. 1 Jhn.
2:9-11; 3:15; 4:20; Rev. 21:8
2. Are we living as we should?
III. Brotherly Love is:
A. The heart of
Christianity - Phil. 2:1-5. Are you like Christ?
B. The badge of Christianity - Jhn.
13:35
C. A basic command of God - 1 Jhn.
2:8-9
D. The hope of Christianity - Jhn.
17:20-21
E. An unpayable debt - 1 Jhn. 4:9-11
F. A spiritual magnet - Jhn.
12:32
Love God & your brethren, and the rest should take care of itself.