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Hebrews 6:10,11
For Godis not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister…

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

John 13:34,35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another…

in brotherly love.
The term "brotherly love" is translated from the Greek word "philadelphia," which specifically refers to the love shared among believers, akin to the love between siblings. This concept was revolutionary in the early Christian context, where social and ethnic divisions were prevalent. The early church was marked by its radical inclusivity and mutual care, as seen inActs 2:44-47, where believers shared everything in common. This love is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). The emphasis on brotherly love also reflects the fulfillment of the law, as Paul states inRomans 13:8-10, where love is the essence of the commandments. This love is not merely an emotion but is demonstrated through actions and service, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), which challenges believers to extend love beyond cultural and social boundaries.

Hebrews 13 opens with a rapid series of closing exhortations. Verse 1 is brief—“Continue in brotherly love”—but it rests on everything already laid down about Christ’s supremacy (Hebrews 1–12). Because the atoning work described inHebrews 10:19-22 is factual and complete, the writer now turns to how believers live that reality out among one another, echoing the pattern ofActs 2:42-47 where doctrine overflows into devoted fellowship.

• “Continue” assumes love is already present; it simply must not wane.

• The imperative mirrors1 Thessalonians 4:9-10—“you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another… yet we urge you to excel still more.”

• This steady endurance lines up with Jesus’ own words inJohn 13:34-35: the ongoing display of love validates genuine discipleship.

• The command is framed as fact, not suggestion, because Scripture speaks with literal authority.

• “Brotherly” points to family life inside God’s household (Ephesians 2:19).

• It distinguishes the mutual affection of believers from general humanitarian kindness (Galatians 6:10—“especially to the household of faith”).

•Romans 12:10 clarifies the tone: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.”

•1 John 3:14-18 underscores that such love is tangible, meeting real needs, not mere sentiment.

Living outHebrews 13:1 involves:

- Hospitality (v 2), illustrated by Abraham inGenesis 18:1-8 and reiterated in1 Peter 4:9.

- Compassion for the persecuted (v 3) as seen inActs 12:5,12.

- Marital faithfulness (v 4) because faithfulness to one covenant echoes faithfulness to Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32).

- Contentment (v 5) so that resources remain available to serve others (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

- Respect for leaders (v 7) which maintains unity (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

• Trials test affection;Hebrews 10:32-34 showed believers losing property yet showing joy.

• Sin’s deceit hardens hearts over time (Hebrews 3:13), so the reminder safeguards against drift (Hebrews 2:1).

• Spiritual opposition targets unity because love authenticates the gospel (Philippians 1:27-30).

- Guard the local church as family, addressing conflicts quickly (Matthew 5:23-24).

- Schedule regular, tangible acts of care—meals, transportation, child-watching—so love is visible (1 John 3:18).

- Speak truth graciously (Ephesians 4:15), for love and doctrine walk together, never in tension (2 John 1-6).

- Persist when enthusiasm fades, trusting the Spirit to supply endurance (Galatians 5:22).

Hebrews 13:1 literally commands believers to keep on loving fellow Christians as family. Rooted in Christ’s finished work and empowered by His Spirit, this ongoing affection protects unity, bears practical fruit, and testifies to the watching world that the gospel is true.