Brotherly Affection Vs Christian Love

Do you exercise brotherly love or Christian love? The difference between them is a function of your walk with God. Everyone has a level of love for humanity. The love of God has been shared abroad in your hearts and what you do with it determines your level of love for your neighbour.

And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love - 2 Peter 1:7 (AMP)
 
Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers - 1 John 3:16 (KJV)

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? - Matthew 5:46 (NKJV)

Is there really any difference between brotherly affection and Christian love? Christians strive to love their neighbors as God commanded. Many people really can testify of their love for others by their good actions towards them, but the question is, "is it out of brotherly affection or Christian love?"

The knowledge of the difference between these two virtues will help you to answer the question and identify your own level of love.

Now, let's consider briefly the differences:

• Superiority

The scripture in 2 Peter 1:7 makes it clear that Christian love is different from and superior to brotherly affection. It is a level above the latter in hierarchy. Christian love stems from increase in maturity as it is an addition to brotherly affection.

• Practiced by good people

Brotherly affection is practiced by good people, who do not think only of themselves. Sometimes, it may be for their own satisfaction and/or to prove to the world that they practice love. And it is only as it is convenient for them, if not count them out of it. Read more...