Brotherly affection, often referred to as "brotherly love", is a deep, familial love and affection that should exist among those who are of the family of the Divine.
It is feeling such a love and respect for others that one considers almost everyone a "part of the family." It's a reflection of Divine love and is characterized by compassion, care, and mutual support, mirroring the natural bond between siblings.
This love extends beyond mere feelings to active expressions of service, encouragement, and forgiveness. Brotherly affection is not a human invention but is a reflection of God's love for humanity.
It's not just an emotion but a commitment to serving, encouraging, and supporting other believers through actions. It's not enough to simply say "I love you." Brotherly affection requires tangible expressions of love through actions, demonstrating genuine care and concern for others. It involves being willing to forgive one another, bearing one another's burdens, and seeking the best for each other, even when it's challenging.
In essence, spiritual brotherly affection is a call to treat others with the same love, care, and loyalty that one would show to a close family member, all rooted in the love of the Divine and expressed through our practical actions.
Some Key Takeaways:
- Brotherly affection is a deep familial love and affection, a care and concern such as that often found among close family members and loved ones.
- Having a love and respect for others as if all were “a part of the family” is a reflection of Divine love into the world as brotherly affection.
- More than just feeling this way, brotherly affection is a commitment to serving, encouraging, and supporting others because they need it.
- More than just words brotherly affection requires tangible actions, care and concern.
- Forgiveness, and burden bearing are a component of brotherly affection.
- Brotherly affection treats others with the same love, care, and loyalty as one shows to a close family member, all rooted in the love of the Divine and expressed through our practical actions towards others.
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