What does it mean to love the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17)?

In 1 Peter 2:17, the apostle writes, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (ESV). The phrase love the brotherhood expresses the essence of Christian ethics. Believers must develop an abiding love for one another. To “love the brotherhood” does not mean that believers will always have loving feelings toward each other; instead, it means we will choose to sacrifice our interests for the interests of others (cf. Philippians 2:3).

Loving the brotherhood involves maintaining peace and unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ (see Ephesians 4:3). We are God’s family, indwelled by the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 4:4–6, the apostle Paul writes, “There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Loving the brotherhood is part of sustaining this “oneness.”

Loving the brotherhood requires intentional service and care. “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions” (1 John 3:18, NLT). Love is demonstrated in many ways. We can meet someone’s physical needs, providing food or shelter, or we can meet someone’s spiritual needs, providing encouragement and exhortation (Galatians 6:2). In doing so, we demonstrate Christ’s selflessness, who laid down His life for others (John 15:13).

Peter’s command to “love the brotherhood” encourages believers to prioritize forgiveness. Conflicts are inevitable in any family. The church is no exception. However, Jesus teaches us the necessity of forgiving others when we have been wronged: “Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Loving the brotherhood means forgiving others as God has forgiven us in Christ (Ephesians 4:32).

Loving the brotherhood is a commitment to mutual edification and spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). To practice “love and good deeds” means to actively participate in corporate worship, fellowship, service, and discipleship. It also requires that we “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15; see also 1 Corinthians 12:26). This is what it means to be the body of Christ.

Loving the brotherhood also means comforting those who are suffering. Hebrews 13:3 says, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Believers must pray for those suffering and find practical ways to assist them. Shared suffering strengthens fellowship and demonstrates the love of Christ.

Finally, loving the brotherhood shows the world that we belong to Christ. Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35) Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ shows the unbelieving world that we are different and can help attract them to Christ. If we fail to love one another, we weaken our chances of sharing the gospel with people in spiritual darkness.

Loving the brotherhood is founded upon Christ’s example. Christ loved selflessly and always put others before Himself. Believers should follow His example to glorify God, who first loved us (1 John 4:19). This is the heart of the gospel.