David Jeremiah February 22, 2024 Daily Devotional: Brotherly Love.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. - Romans 12:10
Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:1-5 - Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - THE HUMBLED AND EXALTED CHRIST - 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus
In 1681, England’s King Charles II granted William Penn, an English Quaker, a charter to establish what eventually became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in America. Having suffered religious persecution in England, Penn wanted his newfound colony to be a place of religious freedom for all. Thus, he named what became the capital city Philadelphia—a Greek word for “brotherly love” (Greek philos means “beloved,” adelphos means “brother”).
“Brotherly love” is an important subject in the New Testament epistles (Romans 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1; 2 Peter 1:7). A hallmark of brotherly (and sisterly) love is the choice to put the interests of others ahead of one’s own—to “honor” others by giving preference to them. Paul writes that we should imitate Christ in this regard, doing nothing out of selfish ambition but considering others’ needs ahead of our own (Philippians 2:1-5). We should settle grievances quickly, not letting them carry over to tomorrow (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Look for ways today to express brotherly love to someone by putting their needs and interests ahead of your own.
Brotherly love is the badge of Christ’s disciples. - Matthew Henry
