Hebrews 13:1 says, "Let brotherly love continue" or "Let love of the brethren continue" (NASB). The primary moral standard of Christianity is love, and the particular love exhorted here is "love of the brethren" (v. 1) or love of fellow Christians. "Love of the brethren" (v. 1) is one word (philadelphia) in the Greek, and is often translated "brotherly love." It is composed of two root words—phileō, meaning tender affection, and adelphos, meaning brother or near kinsman; literally, "from the same womb," hence, "brotherly affection" or "brotherly love" (MacArthur's New Testament Commentary: Hebrews, [Moody Publishers: Chicago, Illinois, 1983] 422).
As Christians we share a common bond. We are all saved by the blood of Jesus, and that bond links us together as "brothers in Christ" forever. That common bond is what causes us to have love and affection for each other. In fact, that common bond in Christ is why you can meet another brother for the first time and feel a special closeness and trust immediately. In Christ we as believers are one, and our love shows it.
The specific command here is to "let brotherly love continue" (v. 1). First, this command indicates that such love already exists. It is not something that we have to generate. It already exists. It is the natural outflow of the Christian life. It is what defines us. When you love Christ, you will love the brethren. In John 13:35, Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Therefore, we are not told to make this love happen. We are told to let it continue. Don't stifle it. Don't let it grow cold, but nurture it.
"Continue" (v. 1) means "to hold fast, or remain steadfast" (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, [Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1971], 224). We are exhorted to "remain steadfast" in our love for one another. Never let it go. Keep on keeping on in loving your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you see a need among the brethren, meet it as God provides. Be there for each other at all times, never attacking, but always coming alongside to help in their time of need. Note how the NIV puts it: "Keep on loving each other as brothers" (v. 1). That is the standard—sustained love.
1 Peter 1:22 says, "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart." And Romans 10:12 adds: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor." Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." In other words, "brotherly love is caring for fellow Christians more than we care for ourselves" (MacArthur, 424). Nurture and build that love.
Hebrews 13:2 adds: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." "To entertain strangers" (v. 2a) is literally "to show hospitality to strangers" (NASB). "Strangers" (v. 2a) can refer to unbelievers as well as believers. Galatians 6:10 says, "While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." As Christians our love starts with but does not end with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to show love to everyone, even our enemies. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt. 5:43-44).
We help others from the heart of brotherly love and for the sake of Christ, not out of any thought of entertaining angels. Yet, who knows? Abraham entertained three men from the heart in Genesis 18, not knowing that two of the men were angels and the third was the Lord Himself. Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me" (Matt. 25:40). Feeding the hungry, taking in the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting those who are in prison in Jesus' name is to serve Him. Continue in that love. Amen.
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