1 Thessalonians 4:9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 (KJV)
Context
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonian church to encourage and instruct them in their faith. In this verse, Paul addresses the topic of brotherly love, or love for one another within the Christian community. The Greek word used here, philadelphia, emphasizes the familial bond shared by believers as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Meaning
The phrase “brotherly love” refers to the love that believers in Christ are to have for one another. This love is not merely a feeling or sentiment but is expressed through selfless actions, care, and support. Paul acknowledges that he does not need to write extensively about brotherly love to the Thessalonians because they have already been taught by God Himself. The Greek word for “taught of God” (theodidaktoi) is unique in the New Testament, underscoring that God Himself is the teacher. This teaching implies that believers have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit who guides and instructs them in the ways of God’s love. It is not merely human instruction but a divine work in their hearts, making brotherly love a natural outflow of salvation and sanctification.
The source and example of brotherly love are found in God Himself. As Christians, we are called to imitate God’s love, which is sacrificial, unconditional, and selfless. Through our relationship with God, we learn how to love others genuinely. The command to love one another is not limited to a select few but applies to all believers, encompassing the entire Christian community. Love should characterise our relationships with fellow believers, promoting unity, encouragement, and support.
Biblical connections
Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonians’ love is not flattery but an acknowledgment of God’s work in them. The verse itself points to the divine origin of this love, and the surrounding passage in 1 Thessalonians 4 continues to urge believers to live in holiness, with brotherly love presented as key evidence of that sanctification. Paul’s teaching here also echoes the Lord Jesus Christ’s own command that His disciples love one another, showing that this divine instruction is consistent with the whole of New Testament teaching.
Application
Cultivating Brotherly Love: Reflect on the quality of your love for fellow believers. Are there ways you can demonstrate greater love, support, and care for them? Seek to cultivate a Christ-like love that goes beyond mere words and manifests in actions.
God’s Teaching: Recognise the role of God’s teaching in your life. Through prayer, reading the Bible, and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, allow God to continue teaching you how to love others. Ask for His help in overcoming any barriers to loving others unconditionally.
Unity and Witness: Consider the impact of brotherly love on the unity of the Church and its witness to the world. Strive to be an example of Christ’s love in your interactions with fellow believers, promoting unity and drawing others to Christ.
Reflection
Brotherly love is an ongoing process. As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, we also grow in our ability to love one another. Any true love we have is ultimately a gift from God, who teaches us to love as He has loved us. May we be known by our love for one another, reflecting God’s love to a broken world.
