The most obvious face of love in our day and age is brotherly love, which I would define as the affectionate concern for the well-being of others. Simply put, caring about other people is a vital characteristic for anyone who wishes to follow the heart of God. Don’t just take my word for it. There are several passages in scripture that lay it out there, plain and simple.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. – Romans 12:9-13
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. – 1 John 2:9,10
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. – 1 John 3:14,15
Does your life exhibit brotherly love? It’s not always the easy thing to do, especially in a society that conditions us towards selfishness.
