Taught by God. 1st Thessalonians 4:9 “Brotherly love” is evidence of new life in a believer in Christ. It has been taught to us by God, who has given us a new nature that is compatible with everyone in the kingdom of God. It is proven to be genuine through our gratitude to God, mutual involvement in others' lives, verbal declarations, and visible acts of spiritual love that value and give without expecting anything in return. This kind of love is also reflected in our choices to obey God rather than responding to others' actions and words. Agape (love) is unconditional, expressed, consistent, meaningful, and purposeful.
God teaches us to love others and gives us the power to do so. Agape is not automatic, so we are instructed to choose to love one another. All of us have the same heavenly Father who “so loved” us that He gave His only Son to be our Savior. Love is shown through the actions we sincerely do for others’ benefit, expecting nothing in return.
Respect, genuine appreciation, and affection for our brothers and sisters in Christ serve as a neutral response. “We know we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren.” Friendship and friendliness, hospitality and help, sympathy and empathy, grace and giving, generosity and gratitude are all expressions of love. Love cannot be hidden because it is openly directed toward its focus.
God teaches us this deep within our new nature: our hearts, minds, emotions, and actions are areas where He guides us on how to show love. His most powerful teaching tool on this subject is His own love. This lesson is permanently stamped on us by His love for us, exemplified when He gave His only Son so that we might have eternal life through Him. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all love us without limits. The Father gave His Son to die for us, and the Son willingly died for our sins to bring us to God. The Holy Spirit, whose “tough love” convicted us of our sins, led us to repentance, revealed Christ as our personal Savior, and brought us new life. He shares His love within us and teaches us how to practice it.