What does 'philia' or 'brotherly love' mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, the concept of "philia" or "brotherly love" is a profound expression of affection, care, and mutual respect among believers. This form of love is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle John. Understanding "philia" requires us to explore its biblical context, its implications for Christian living, and how it shapes our relationships within the community of faith.

The term "philia" itself is derived from the Greek word for love that denotes a deep friendship and affectionate bond. Unlike "eros," which refers to romantic love, or "agape," which signifies unconditional, sacrificial love, "philia" is characterized by a sense of mutual care and loyalty among friends and, in the Christian context, among fellow believers. This form of love is essential for the unity and health of the Christian community.

In 1 John, the Apostle John emphasizes the importance of brotherly love as a hallmark of true Christian discipleship. He writes, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love" (1 John 4:7-8, ESV). Here, John underscores that love is not merely an emotion but a defining characteristic of those who are born of God. To love one another is to reflect the very nature of God, who is love.

John further elaborates on this theme by linking brotherly love to the commandment given by Jesus. In his Gospel, John records Jesus saying, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35, ESV). This commandment is not new in the sense of replacing the old, but rather in its depth and example—Jesus' own sacrificial love for His disciples sets the standard for how we are to love one another.

Brotherly love, then, is not optional for Christians; it is a commandment that stems from our relationship with Christ. It is an active, intentional love that seeks the well-being of others and is willing to make sacrifices for their sake. This kind of love is beautifully illustrated in the early Christian community described in the Book of Acts. The believers "were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common" (Acts 4:32, ESV). Their mutual love and care were so profound that they shared their possessions and resources, ensuring that no one among them was in need.

Moreover, brotherly love is also a means of spiritual growth and maturity. In his second epistle, Peter exhorts believers to "make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love" (2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV). Here, Peter places brotherly affection (philia) as a crucial step in the progression toward agape love. This progression highlights that brotherly love is both a fruit of our faith and a stepping stone to deeper, more sacrificial love.

The practical outworking of brotherly love is manifold. It involves bearing one another's burdens, as Paul instructs in Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (ESV). It also entails forgiveness and reconciliation, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 18:21-22, where He tells Peter to forgive "seventy times seven" times, indicating the boundless nature of forgiveness within the Christian community.

Brotherly love also manifests in acts of kindness and hospitality. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:1-2, ESV). This passage reminds us that our love should extend beyond our immediate circle and include those who are strangers, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's love.

Furthermore, brotherly love is a powerful witness to the world. In a society often marked by division and strife, the unity and love among Christians serve as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17:21 is that "they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (ESV). Our love for one another is a visible demonstration of the reality of God's love and the truth of the Gospel.

In addition to the scriptural foundation, Christian literature and tradition have also emphasized the importance of brotherly love. For instance, in his classic work "The Imitation of Christ," Thomas à Kempis writes, "Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough good; by itself it makes that which is heavy light; and it bears evenly all that is uneven. For it carries a burden which is no burden, and makes everything that is bitter sweet and savory." This reflection captures the transformative and sustaining power of love in the Christian life.

In conclusion, "philia" or "brotherly love" in the Bible is a profound and essential aspect of Christian living. It is rooted in the nature of God, commanded by Jesus, and exemplified by the early church. It involves mutual care, sacrifice, forgiveness, and hospitality, and it serves as a powerful witness to the world. As believers, we are called to cultivate this love in our relationships, allowing it to shape our communities and reflect the love of Christ to those around us. By doing so, we not only fulfill the commandment of our Lord but also experience the joy and unity that come from living in harmony with one another, as members of the body of Christ.