As believers united in Christ, we share an eternal spiritual bond deeper than any earthly ties.
This article explores key Bible verses about brothers and brotherhood in Christ that speak to the beauty of Christian community, connection, and caring for one another.
Whether used for study, meditation, or reflection, these handpicked scriptures unpack principles for fostering unity, loyalty, and sacrificial love within the family of God. They provide wisdom for nurturing relationships that honor Christ by bearing each other’s burdens.
It is our hope these verses inspire readers to live out the holy calling of brotherhood in a way that reflects the love of Jesus.
Table of Contents
Bible Verses About Brothers And Brotherhood
1. Best Bible Verses About Brothers – Verses highlighting brothers in the Bible.
Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Proverbs 18:24: One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
1 John 4:20-21: Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
Hebrews 13:1: Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
1 Thessalonians 4:9: Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
1 John 3:16: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Romans 14:13: Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
2. Bible Verses About Brothers Love – Verses about the importance of loving one another as brothers in Christ.
1 Peter 3:8: Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Hebrews 13:1: Let mutual love continue.
1 John 4:19-21: We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
John 13:34-35: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Colossians 3:14: And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
1 Corinthians 16:14: Do everything in love.
1 Thessalonians 3:12: May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
3. Unity of Believers – Scriptures on Brotherhood emphasizing unity, harmony, and oneness within the brotherhood of believers.
Psalm 133:1: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Ephesians 4:1-6: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
1 Corinthians 1:10: I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Colossians 3:13-14: Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Romans 15:5-6: May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:2: Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
John 17:20-23: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Acts 2:42: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
4. Serving One Another – Scriptures on Brotherhood about humbly serving fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.
Galatians 5:13: You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
John 13:13-17: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
Philippians 2:3-8: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Mark 10:42-45: Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
1 Peter 4:10-11: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Galatians 6:10: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
1 Corinthians 10:24: No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
Matthew 23:11: The greatest among you will be your servant.
5. Bearing Burdens – Bible Verses About Brotherhood concerning bearing each other’s burdens and helping a brother in need.
Galatians 6:2: Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Romans 15:1: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
James 2:14-17: What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
1 Thessalonians 5:14: And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Acts 20:35: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Galatians 6:5: For each will have to bear his own load.
1 Corinthians 12:26: If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
6. Encouraging Each Other – Bible Verses About Brotherhood about encouraging and building up brothers and sisters in Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Hebrews 3:13: But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Colossians 3:16: Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
1 Thessalonians 4:18: Therefore encourage one another with these words.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
Romans 15:5: May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.
Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
7. Praying for One Another – Scriptures on Brotherhood urging prayer for fellow believers as spiritual brothers and sisters.
James 5:16: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Ephesians 6:18: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
1 Timothy 2:1-2: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Colossians 1:9-12: For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12: With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:3-4: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.
Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
1 John 5:14: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
8. Loyalty and Restoration Scriptures On Brotherhood – Verses about loyalty to the brotherhood and restoring fallen brothers.
Proverbs 18:19: A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
Galatians 6:1: Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
James 5:19-20: My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Matthew 18:15-17: If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
1 Corinthians 5:5: Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 2:7-8: Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.
Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Proverbs 27:6: Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
9. Shared Inheritance – Scriptures on Brotherhood mentioning the shared inheritance believers have as brothers in God’s family.
Romans 8:15-17: The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now, if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
1 Peter 1:3-5: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Galatians 3:26-29: So, in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Ephesians 1:11-14: In him, we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Hebrews 9:15: For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11: Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Galatians 4:6: Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Ephesians 2:19: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.
Pastoral Perspective: Probing Deeper Into Bible Verses About Brothers
1. What do these bible verses about brotherhood teach us?
The scriptures on brotherhood teach us to:
- Have sincere love for one another (1 Peter 3:8, Romans 12:10).
- Pursue unity among believers (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:1-6).
- Serve and care for one another (John 13:1-17, Galatians 5:13).
- Bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2, Romans 15:1).
- Encourage and build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Pray for each other continually (James 5:16, Colossians 1:9-12).
- Seek restoration when needed (Galatians 6:1, James 5:19-20).
- Recognize our shared eternal inheritance (Romans 8:15-17, 1 Peter 1:3-5).
2. As a scholar, can you offer insights into the nuances and subtleties of ‘brotherhood scriptures’ that may not be immediately apparent, enriching our understanding of brotherhood in scripture?
Some important nuances about brotherhood scriptures include:
- True unity requires laying down selfishness and pride.
- Serving often involves menial and hidden acts, not prestige.
- Bearing burdens means helping carry ongoing challenges, not just short-term.
- Restoration aims for redemption and forgiveness, not condemnation.
- Inheritance as co-heirs with Christ is received, not earned.
- All believers are brothers and sisters regardless of human distinctions.
3. What would be considered a very important ‘bible verse about brotherhood’ that I could reflect on, meditate on, or use as a guide when seeking to understand the biblical perspective on unity and familial bonds in various aspects of life?
John 13:34-35 is a bible verse about brotherhood that provides an excellent model of brotherly love:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This passage calls us to follow Christ’s example of selfless, sacrificial love for one another. Reflecting on this verse can strengthen our devotion to fostering brotherhood.
4. Using relevant scriptures on brotherhood, can you give me some practical steps that individuals and believers can take to foster a spirit of unity and brotherhood in accordance with biblical principles?
- Celebrate diversity within the body of Christ.
- Confess and address any attitudes causing disunity.
- Serve willingly behind the scenes without expectation.
- Share thoughts, struggles, and resources in genuine friendship.
- Admonish with gentleness and patience when needed.
- Forgive quickly without harboring bitterness.
- Participate wholeheartedly in community gatherings.
- Welcome new believers into the family.
5. What practical strategies can individuals employ to incorporate ‘scripture on brotherhood’ into their daily lives, making it a central part of their interactions and relationships within the community of believers?
- Greet fellow believers joyfully like long-lost family.
- Read biographies of Christian heroes of the faith.
- Discuss unity scriptures together.
- Refuse to participate in gossip or slander.
- Study New Testament “one another” passages.
- Practice hospitality generously.
- Memorize unity verses like Ephesians 4:3-6.
- Confide struggles and pray for each other transparently.
6. What are some specific examples from the scriptures that show biblical figures or stories exemplify the essence of brotherhood and the significance of unity in God’s plan?
Examples include:
- The early church sharing selflessly (Acts 4:32-35).
- Paul’s letters addressing churches as brothers.
- Jesus praying for the unity of all believers (John 17:20-23).
- Barnabas welcoming Paul after his conversion (Acts 9:26-28).
7. In your ministry at Divine Disclosures, how have you witnessed verses on brotherhood being a transformative force in the lives of believers, influencing their understanding and experience of unity and familial connections? Could you share some powerful testimonials or insights?
I have seen many believers reconciliation and embrace after studying Christ’s prayer for oneness in John 17. Some gained a heart to lay down race and culture divides. Others shared how serving those in need felt like bonding with Christ. Many testify that brotherhood scriptures compelled them to offer grace and restore fallen believers gently. God’s word provides revelatory truth about pursuing spiritual family bonds.
8. What bible verse on brotherhood helps guide decisions and actions, especially when fostering relationships and unity within the community of believers?
1 Corinthians 1:10 is a bible verse on brotherhood that provides beneficial guidance:
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
This motivates us to pursue true unity grounded in Christ.
9. Is there a scripture about brotherhood that provides wisdom for daily living and facing the challenges and joys of community life with faith and perseverance?
Hebrews 10:24-25 is a scripture about brotherhood that offers wise perspective:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This encourages persevering in fellowship to stir up brotherly love.
10. Is there a scripture for brotherhood that empowers individuals to distinguish right from wrong and nurture relationships within the community with grace and responsibility?
Ephesians 4:15 is a scripture for brotherhood that guides our discernment:
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Speaking truth with love honors Christ and builds brotherhood.
11. Can you recommend a scripture on brotherhood to help individuals make decisions with a mindset of unity and familial bonds in alignment with God’s will?
Romans 12:10 is a scripture on brotherhood that beautifully expresses God’s will:
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This selfless approach strengthens bonds.
12. What brotherhood scripture would you suggest I meditate on when seeking the strength to navigate the complexities and joys of communal living?
John 17:11provides encouragement from Jesus’ prayer:
“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, so that they may be one as we are one.”
We are empowered to live in fellowship because Christ prayed for us.
13. Can you give me some good short bible quotes on brotherhood, ideal for daily inspiration and encouragement, especially in times of building and maintaining relationships within the community of believers?
- “Love one another deeply.” 1 Peter 4:8
- “Live in harmony with one another.” Romans 12:16
- “We are members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25
- “Bear one another’s burdens.” Galatians 6:2
14. Are there any other resources that can help me understand and foster brotherhood in alignment with biblical principles?
Recommendations include books like Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s “Life Together“, Andy Stanley’s “Deep and Wide“, and Francis Chan’s “Letters to the Church“. Small groups and mentoring relationships are also invaluable for growth in fellowship. Local church communities provide opportunity for unity.
Moving Beyond this Article on Bible Verses About Brothers and Brotherhood
As we have seen, the Bible highly emphasizes the blessing of brotherhood among believers. Bible Verses About Brothers and Brotherhood urge us to love one another, bear each other’s burdens, build up and restore those who fall, and live in unity. May these passages inspire you to pursue meaningful Christian brotherhood.
I encourage you to not just reference Bible verses about brothers but also talk to God in prayer about strengthening these vital bonds. Seek the Holy Spirit’s help to forfeit selfishness and humbly serve fellow believers as one integral family united in Christ. Additionally, explore other articles on this site featuring Bible verses on various topics for growing wisdom in relating well to brothers and sisters in Christ.
Lastly, share this article and Divine Disclosures to spur deeper fellowship and camaraderie in your church. Together, anchored in biblical truths and prayer, we gain a glimpse of heaven’s coming solidarity as we walk together through life’s joys and trials. As iron sharpens iron, we must encourage one another toward mature Christian brotherhood and united eternal destiny as adopted heirs.
