“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 13:1 NIV).
In addition to the characteristics of love that are given to us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the Scriptures also provide us with several other elements that should guide our understanding of Hebrews 13:1. For instance…
“Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives” (Ephesians 4:2-3 GW).
“Never act from motives of rivalry or personal vanity, but in humility think more of each other than you do of yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 Phillips).
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV).
Together with these Scriptural precepts, we can also say that love is a quality that seeks another person’s highest good from a Biblical perspective. Taken together, these insights can help us put this directive from Hebrews 13:1 into practice.
These distinctions are important, for some expressions of “love” may be driven by physical attraction, emotional need, or a desire for self-gratification. Nevertheless, we can express genuine love whenever we “…give preference to one another in honor” (NASB) as we’re told in Romans 12:10.
Jesus was also quoted as saying, “…the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 TLB). While external displays of affection may signal the presence of love, the reality may be far different. Instead, we will find a far more reliable indicator of authentic love in the actions we choose to take on behalf of others. The following commentators encourage us to adopt a mature definition of love that goes beyond the mere external…
“We may not like all the brethren, but there is something in each of them that Christ loves. Let us try to discover it, or love them for His sake. We can love people with our mind and think for them, or with our strength and serve them, even though the heart is somewhat reluctant.” (1)
“You must have fervent charity towards the saints, but you will find very much about the best of them which will try your patience; for, like yourself, they are imperfect, and they will not always turn their best side towards you, but sometimes sadly exhibit their infirmities. Be prepared, therefore, to contend with ‘all things’ in them.” (2)
(1) Meyer, Frederick Brotherton. “Commentary on Hebrews 13”. “F. B. Meyer’s ‘Through the Bible’ Commentary”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fbm/hebrews-13.html. 1914.
(2) Charles. H. Spurgeon, Love’s Labours (1881) https://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/sermons27.iv_1.html