What does it mean to love one another?

The Apostle Paul tells the Christian what it means to love one another and gives illustrations in Romans 12:9-16. He says that love must first be sincere. Next, we are to be devoted to one another, honoring others above ourselves. We must share with God’s people who are in need and practice hospitality. We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. We are then instructed to live in harmony with one another and not be proud, but willing to be with people of low position. Paul’s instruction is very similar to and builds upon that of the Apostle Peter’s definition mentioned above. 

Although we understand and have a sincere heart desire to put into practice all of what we have learned, we are flawed and do not always live up to what we would wish ourselves to be. Brotherly love rests squarely upon the shoulders of each of us. We should not be waiting for someone else to demonstrate our perception of what we think brotherly love looks like. 

Are those who appear to be left out from socialization still recipients of brotherly love? If they are not, they most definitely should be. Therefore, if any one of us observes an isolated brother or sister, we do not have to wait for others to engage that person in conversation. It is our individual responsibility to make an effort to show brotherly kindness and love to the isolated one while not judging the others engaged in conversation. By so doing the isolated brother or sister will begin to feel “loved and cherished” and part of the brotherhood. 

Each of us needs to rate ourselves according to the standard of brotherly love that we profess and wish to see in others. We must each ask ourselves what it is that we are personally doing to live up to that standard. We need to make a concerted effort to be the change we want to see. 

What does it mean to love one another? To truly love one another is to be willing to give with no thought of any return because those to whom we give are so important.

To learn more about how to love others, including our enemies, listen to, “Condemned to Death, How Did Jesus Love His Enemies?”