“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.”

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Brotherly love is a Christian injunction which binds all believers to love one another from a pure heart. In Hebrews, believers are told to keep on loving one another; it should be continual. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 sets the parameters for how we should love one another.

LOVE IS PATIENCE

Believers ought to be patient with one another. Giving room for offense and tolerating one another, not reacting in equal measure when the unpleasant happens. Being patience is a means of reflecting on our actions before taking them and also giving the Holy Spirit room to direct us.

LOVE IS KIND

Every godly relationship is characterized by kindness; fondness, affection and benevolence towards one another.

LOVE DOES NOT ENVY

When we desire to be like others with a negative intention or have what they have badly, brotherly love is jeopardized. Being content with who we are and what we have is an appreciation of God’s goodness towards us. Beyond this, the believer must be thankful to God for what he is doing the lives of other people. This virtue builds godly relationships.

LOVE DOES NOT BOAST.

Whatever we have or whoever we are, is an endowment of God. It must therefore be a blessing to others. Telling others who we are or what we have to let them feel that we are better than them destroy relationships. Boasting to people is not a demonstration of love.

LOVE IS NOT PROUD

Pride is synonymous with the devil. Believers are admonished in scripture no to think of themselves highly than others.

LOVE IS NOT RUDE

Mutual respect is one thing that is shared in every godly relationship. It makes parties in the relationship always want to be in the company of one another. Friendly atmosphere must characterize every godly relationship.

LOVE IS NOT SELF-SEEKING

There cannot be love when we do not seek the interest of those we claim we love. Seeking the other person’s welfare in a relationship brings all parties together for a common goal. This fosters a healthy relationship.

LOVE IS NOT EASILY ANGERED

One thing that should be guarded against in godly relationship is anger because it does not produce the righteousness of God. Where there is brotherly love, there is room for offense.

LOVE DOES NOT KEEP RECORD OF WRONGS

Just as God does not keep record of our wrongs so we must not keep the wrong of other. Keeping record of wrongs is an indication that one is not ready to let go. This is a recipe for endangering a healthy relationship.

LOVE DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL

Godly relationships must be one that builds up in the Lord. It inspires spiritual growth and righteousness.

LOVE IS TRUTHFUL

Healthy relationships are built on truth. Godly relationship is anchored on God’s word which is the truth. A relationship built on deception does not last. It will collapse on its own weight.

BENEFITS

When these qualities abound in a relationship, parties in the relationship trust one another and feel protected. They have something to hope and persevere for: this love never fails.