We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is necessary, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounded. 2 Thessalonians 1:3.
Note: while the left hand should not know the activities of the right hand because every good works should be done discreetly, not as unto man, but unto Christ for a sure reward because you serve the Lord Jesus; yet, the testimonies borne by others of God’s goodness unto them through you (Let another man praise you and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2) can become an aroma of a sweet smell that intoxicate to awaken others to follow after every good works; thus, the contagious power of love is at work as we consider one another to provoke (stimulating, encouraging, and arousing interests or enthusiasm) unto love and to good works as says the scripture. Hebrews 10:24.
The measure of our love for the brethren is according to the proportion, intensity and reverential of our devotional and affectionate love for God. Our perfect understanding of God’s love through Christ propitiation death to gather in him all the children of God that are scattered abroad determines the measure of the love we shall be able and willing to share with others in the body of Christ: beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not knows not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11. Note: the sincerity of our devotion to God (John 4:24) determines the quality of our relationships with others in the body of Christ, wherefore he says, let love be without dissimulation. Romans 12:9. If our relationship with God is feigned – if we have drawn unto him with our mouth, but the heart is far from him, this is going to show itself in one way or other in our rapport with fellow brethren in the Lord, and they shall found us not as we are; therefore, we must make things straight with God so that we can also get things right with the brethren: now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned. From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling. 1Timothy1:5-6.
 
And as we grow in our love with Christ (devotioanl love) and for him (service love -zeal), so we are likewise inspire to share and give part of that love to our brethren in the Lord, wherefore he says, add to godliness, brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1:7): much more, we are willing to share and extend part of this love to our enemies as commanded not to be overcome with evil, but to overcome evil with good which is only possible according to the fullness of the measure of Christ love in us. Each and every one of us are God’s vineyard where the tree of God is bearing joy, peace, goodness and love etc in its season in the garden of our hearts where his love is shed abroad by the Holy Ghost. Fruit grow and ripens for sweetness that others may enjoy the good quality of the tree; therefore, love does not practice evil whatsoever against his neighbor: it is considerate and cautious of his actions and ponders on the effects of any missteps or falsehood might cause on his brethren, therefore he does not think on his own interests or selfish end. Though he has faith in the word of God to justify his action, yet, for the sake of those brethren with little or no faith, he will prefer to deny himself the right to such things for the edification of his brethren, lest his good be evil spoken off, lest he wound the weak conscience of his brethren for whose sake Christ died and thus failed to work in love (Romans 14:15): this is the reason we are called to walk in sacrificial love of the brethren (I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps? Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 2 Corinthians 12:18-19), that all your things should be motivated and done by love (1 Corinthians 16:14) so as to encourage and to build others up in their faith in Christ Jesus: this is the reason why love is the greatest over faith and hope. 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 and 13.
 
God’s love has brought us into his kingdom – for God so love the world… Love gave it all for us and those to whom much has been forgiven will love him much and will not hold back to love the children of God –  if a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God loves his brother also. 1 John 4:20-21.
 
God is a universal King of diversities, we must therefore grow in our love for the brethren from whatever background, color, tribe, tongue, race and sex without respect of person and without pride (love is not conceited) for whatever reason of carnal, worldly, spiritual or whatever superiority position or advantage whereby we are deceived by our vain imagination to discriminate (and these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollo for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who makes thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:7-8), instead of striving to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace: and we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 1 John 4:16-17.
 
So, let it be clear that there is nothing like unconditional love with God as some will say unconditional love. If there be any such thing as an unconditional love of God, Christ would not needed to come and die on the cross to redeem us from the transgression of Adam’s sin, while Adam and Eve themselves could have been allowed to continue their stay in the Garden of Eden after the fall to eat the fruit of the tree of life and to live forever in their sin instead of been sent out of it. Moses, the great prophet who spoke with God mouth to mouth as a man will speak with his friend should have been spared by God from the punishment and consequence of the water of strife to lead the Israelites to the land of Canaan; he could not have died by the way on the mount, whereby we see the rebuke and the chastening of love (Proverbs 3:12: Hebrews12: 6: Revelation 3:19) in the continuity of the everlasting love of God’s love toward us if we yield and submit under his rod of reproof to keep ourselves in the love of God and the patient waiting for Christ. Jude 1:21.  Jeremiah 31:3.
 
We are called to abide and to continue in the love of God (if ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. John 14:15. John 15:9) lest we walk away or stray out of it by keeping his word and doing those things that are pleasing in his sight. Don’t forget that this is the love of God or the love from God in your life – love is God, God is love and the fruit of his spirit in us produce this love in us to manifest. There is nothing lovable or loving in us apart from God. We should walk in the nature of God’s love which does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth – God is holy and this love is pure – charity out of a pure heart should not be abused by taking advantage of it against the brethren; the Lord is the avenger of all such.  1 Thessalonians 4:1-8. By the way, God is light and in him is no darkness, there is nothing hiden that shall not come abroad, so the love of the brethren does not look or search for sin as a private investigator, inquisition, or as the accuser of the brethren -Satan (for the terrible one is brought to nothing, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off – now I pray to God that ye do no evil. Isaiah 29:20. 2 Corinthians 13:7a), but it does speak the truth in love where iniquity is found, that we may all grow up unto him in all things which is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15. This is the open rebuke which the bible says is better than a secret love (Proverbs 27:5-6); it is a friend’s wound which is far better than the kisses of an enemy. This is the true brotherly love and kindness because we are our brother’s keeper, both in the matters of spiritual supports, godly counseling, and instructions in righteousness to edify one another: to admonish, encourage, and to give supports in material and financial need as we have opportunity.
 
The itching ear believers and false brethren hate rebuke and correction of love (correction is grievous unto him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. Proverbs 15:10), they’ll resist and accuse you by what they call criticism and judgment against their evil and sinful deeds, yet we must labor to resemble the heavenly Father of truth without iniquity by calling a spade a spade (a man that flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. Proverbs 29:5), light a light, and darkness for darkness, for we must not hold the truth from people in and around us (woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20), lest we be found guilty of their blood (a lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28), not holding the truth in unrighteousness -​ not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully: by doing these things, we shall continue to grow in the love of the brethren and we shall know the fake brethren from the true brethren of our Lord:  we are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:6.      
 
Brotherly love in Christ Jesus is stronger than paternal relative love of the flesh we share with our unsaved siblings or of any biological blood relations: the former is enduring and eternal, but the latter is temporal and dangerous because of a man’s enemies shall be the members of his own household. Matthew 10:36. You cannot say you love Christ and his brethren (and it was told him by certain which said, your mother and your brothers’ stand without, desiring to see thee. And he answered and said unto them, my mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Luke 8:20-21) if you are not speaking the truth in love with one another! If you don’t love to hear the truth or love to speak the truth, as the truth is in Christ Jesus, how can you grow in the love of the brethren and grow unto Christ (he that loves pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. Proverbs 22:11) in all things which is the head? Ephesians 4:15.
 
The God’s kind of faith in Christ Jesus is without respect of person (James 2:1), for perfect love cast out fear: this is the only way to be rooted and grounded in the word of God to make you rooted and grounded in faith, and to empower you to be grounded and rooted in love so that your faith should increase exceedingly, and your charity toward the brethren shall likewise abound.
 
The love of the brethren must be from a pure heart (seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever. 1 Peter 1:22-23) which has nothing to do with seduction, flirting,  manipulation, or to take advantage to exploit or misuse others in a deceitful spirit: or to engage in sexual promiscuity activity in the church in the name of brotherly love among the brethren. Sexual immorality or fornication with fellow believer of the opposite sex in a casual sex is spiritual incest, spirit of wickedness and of great folly because both are bought by the blood of Jesus and are of the same body (be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Ephesians.5:1-7): the young Christian sister believer should be seen and considered as our proper sister with all purity. 1Timothy5:1-2.
 
In Philippians chapter 1, verses 9 – 11, apostle Paul prays that your love may abound (increase or growing) yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that you may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. There are several key elements to grow in the true love of the brethren from this text. It reveals that it should be a discerning love between false and true brethren of Christ, for they are not all brethren which are called by the name of the Lord Jesus. You should not only be wary of false prophets which come to you in sheep clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves, you should also be watchful and be on your guard against the false brethren and devil’s agents (Galatians 2:4) who are in the churches to bring you into bondage and to deprive you of your liberty in Christ (but now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not you judge them that are within? But them that are without God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13) by following after charity, faith, peace and meekness with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart – a tree is known by its fruit, look out for the fruit of the spirit, judge their words and actions by the scriptures, and be not carried away by the manifestations of the spirit or any charisma whatsoever, so that you love may abound (increase or growing) yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. 2 Timothy 2:22.
 
To increase in brotherly love, we should continue to practice brotherly love as the scripture says by overcoming self centeredness and stingy spirit (let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:1-2) of a selfish believer while we also identify, share and partake with others in their joy, sadness, sorrow, triumphs, defeats, and in their promotion and demotion, that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Hebrews 13:2. 
 
If we all approach the church as a family of the children of God on earth, and not as a place for personal show or ambition, but as a community of spiritual co-operation union where each member is able to contribute according to his means if there is any for the well fare of the common wealth, then shall we prosper and grow in brotherly love in a church where the oil shall be like precious ointment upon the head, that run down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garment: as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord command the blessing, even life forever: and by this shall all men know that we are his disciples, because we have love for one another. You cannot separate the love of the brethren from giving and taking care of the poor brethren of the Lord around you (what shall one answer the messangers of the nation: that the Lord has founded Zion, and the poor of his peoples shall trust in it. Isaiah 14:32. True love is not in word, but in deed. The examples from the early church should be enough for us to learn as they do all things in common and none proclaimed his own what belongs to him. People should look out for one another, if you sow love, you shall reap the same, if not from man, sure from God: a man that has friend, must show himself friendly. Proverbs 18:24.
 
Good work is an obligation for a true child of God to continue doing, both unto the grateful and unto the ungrateful: to the good and to the bad: to the righteous as well as to the sinners without complaining or murmuring, that you may be blameless and harmless, a child of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. If you stop doing good works because of discouragement and criticism of the unthankful and the ungrateful, it also become a sin to you – to him that knows how to do good and does not do it, is sin (James 4:17): but whoso hath this world’s good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 1 John 3: 17-19.
 
Self emptiness and self denial plays a great role in promoting brotherly love: we are commanded to serve one another in love (for, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serves one another. Galatians 5:13) after the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus who put on him the form of a servant, and humbled himself to serve us in love till death. Christ washed the feet of his disciples for a pattern of a down to earth lifestyle we should live and to follow after among the brethren (Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. John 13:3-5: 13-17), to be self humbled to render services to the lowest and the greatest, the popular and the unpopular among us for the encouragement and continuation of brotherly love in the sight of God. God resist the proud. The greatest in the church among the brethren in God’s view may not be the man on the altar preaching every Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; certainly it is not the man sitting on the front row because of his worldly personality and popularity; but could be that man and woman sweeping the floor, keeping the gate and conducting orderliness and other insignificant work in the house of God faithfully and whole heartedly. If no one is sitting as chief in the local church but all are mindful to serve one another in love (likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5) brotherly love shall continue to increase in the unity of spirit and in the bond of peace among the brethren.
 
Those who will not put aside their pride to walk daily in humility before the Lord in the presence of their brethren cannot grow in the love of the brethren (thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Psalms 119:21): except they overcome the spirit of high self estimation and to consider other better than themselves in the Lord (Philippians 2:3), they have fallen under the condemnation of Satan (pride): whosoever despises his neighbor for whatever reason sin. Proverbs 14:21. Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and made them heirs of the kingdom he promised to them that love him? James 2:5. Has he not chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise: and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory (become proud) in his presence! 1 Corinthians 1: 27-29. When others rightly thinks and sees that they are being look down and regards as non – essential among their brethren in the Lord for whatever reason just like the mentality and practice of the people of the world where those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble are necessary: and those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable upon whom we should bestow more abundant honor are despised, then shall there be contempt and bitterness in the place of joy, peace and single- mindedness: hatred and division in the place of the love of the brethren – honor all men (believers and unbelievers alike): be kindly affectionate to one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another (Romans 12:10.
 
If you despises any of these Christ little brethren by looking atnd consedering any of the outward or physical means, things or measure to qualify and measure their worth in Christ and of Christ in them (wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17), you are reproaching and despising Christ and God: you shall likewise be despised and condemned by God with whom there is no respect of person. Luke 10:16.
 
The spirit of pride or self importance must be replaced with the spirit of a servant hood after the example of our Lord’s humility if we are to grow in the love of the brethren. We are all brethren, and the greatest among us should be the servant of all as says the scripture. Matthew 23:11-15. Worldly mentality of class and rank should not be displayed to be found in the local church, if we are expected to be acceptable before God and to grow in brotherly love: if a man thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Respect and honour should be given to whom it is due, lest we become insolent (showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect) because of brotherly love in the church. Brotherly love does not make us equal in the position of relationships before God with those who are before us in the Lord (salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Romans 16:7) and are over us in the Lord; therefore we must know them that labor in the word among us, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem (respect and admiration) them highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
 
Whatever good thing you are doing for the brethren, you are doing it directly to Christ, and whatever bad thing you are doing to the brethren, you are doing it indirectly against Christ. Some believers shall be turned into everlasting fre away from the presence of Christ because they shut their eyes to Christ need and are not considerte of his presence and operation of his hands in his brethren: to them the Lord shall say, inasmuch as you have not done it to any of this little one, to me you have denied help, encouragement and comfort. Matthew 25: 40-46. Brotherly love is a serious matter before the Lord – both to exercise and to grow in it: if you failed to owe a due recognition to any of Christ brethren in your church or elsewhere for whatever reason (wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7), him  (Christ) who is not ashamed to call you his brother (Hebrews 2:11) shall also disown you at the end: marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abides in death. 1 John 3:13-15. Note: whatever you are made to become in life while in the Lord (Acts 17:4), it is for the edification and usefulness of Lord’s brethren and of the entire household of God: this is the purpose of your promotion and eminence in the world and in this life, even as Joseph made it known before his brethren that it was God’s plan to raise him up to become Pharaoh’s man of right hand in Egypt for the purpose of the continuation of God’s plan in their lives: and of Christ our Lord, is it not written of him, Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people? Hebrews 2: 17.
 
We are living in a church world today where in most cases, if you can’t make it on your own, bring money to the church for tithes and offerings, mission and building supports, wear a gay shinning clothing, you are not consider as a good member of that assembly! Though there are very few true church which bears one another burden (Galatians 6:2) so to fulfill the law of Christ, but those new generation and prosperity churches of today are not seeking for blind Bartholomew, neither are welcoming any Lazarus the beggar as a member, except the kind of the great Shunamite woman which opened the door of her house to prophet Elisha, or men like Cornelius the military commander which gave much alms to the people as its members. We are in a church age that some church leaders are embezzling the church funds and vanishing away into thin air, or are diverting the major parts of the God’s funds for his selfish end, gain and use, while the junior church pastors under them are not paid their due salary, and church members are losing their homes because they lost their jobs and cannot meet up with bills. As the result of financial greediness and selfishness of the senior pastor and its board of trustee, the church is scattered, and the brethren are corrupted and compromising, and the house of God is divided. What do you do in such a situation? Do you get offended and walk away from Christ? You cannot and must not do that:  blessed is he that shall not be offended in him. Matthew 11:6.
 
Should you stop loving the true universal brethren (love the brotherhood. 1 Peter 2:17) because you have been betrayed by some in the church? Have not the scriptures warned you against the betrayals in the church in the last days, why should you then be offended in Christ because of the unfaithful mammon that are betraying brotherly covenant? The scripture cannot be broken! Matthew 10:21. Whoever betrays anyone of the Lord’s brethren betrays the blood of the everlasting covenant which made him accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6): he tramples the blood of the covenant that sanctifies him on his feet and counts it as an unholy thing. By so doing, he has broken the brotherly covenant: shall he break the covenant and escape? Ezekiel 17:18. Shall he become as the earth that bears thorns and briers for his brethren and be spared from the wrath of the consuming fire to whom vengeance belongs? Hebrews 6:7-8. The Lord will judge his people: it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31.