When John says “our brothers” he emphasizes that the Father wants us to love His family. Peter also sees this love as the very purpose for which we were purified and born again.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God… (1 Peter 1:22-23).
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7). M
We show love to the Father by caring for His children. This makes sense, for “everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (1 John 5:1).
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). M
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother (1 John 4:20-21).
Our relationship with God is one of faith. We cannot see Him, but we believe in Him.15 We cannot touch God, or hug Him, as children do to show love for their parents. But God gives us a way to express love for Him – by caring for His family members! We show respect for the Father by respecting His children.16 We give priority to God by giving priority to His spiritual family.17 We smile at God by smiling at His children. We hug our Father by treating His children with warmth and kindness. This includes giving them the family handshake18 and the family kiss.19
The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.… love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen (1 Corinthians 16:19-20,24).
15. 1 Peter 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:7
16. Research Subject – Respect for God’s children: Matthew 18:10; John 5:23; 8:49-50; Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:33; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:1; 3:2,4,8,11; 6:1-2; Titus 2:2; 1 Peter 2:17; 3:7; 5:5; Psalm 8:5; 15:4; Proverbs 21:21; 22:4; 29:23 cf. Proverbs 11:16; 13:8; 14:31; 29:23; 31:23; Lamentations 5:12; Isaiah 33:8; Mark 7:10; 12:6; Luke 14:7-10; 20:46; John 4:44; James 3:9. See Note 4 in the lesson segment, Living The Message Of Reconciliation.
17. Priority: Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 6:10
18. Galatians 2:9 cf. 2 Kings 10:15
19. Kiss: Acts 20:37; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14 cf. Luke 7:45; 15:20; 22:48; Psalm 2:12
Picture: “The right hand of fellowship” (Galatians 2:9)