Peter writes, “Honor all, love the brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17). This brotherhood is equivalent to the ekkesia, the class of called out from Darkness into the light. This word for love is agape love that involves the will. It is the desired choice for others’ welfare and the endeavor to promote it. It is always needing to be cultivated.  For, we read from Paul that we are grow in it and let it abound more and more. It is genuine care for others above ourselves that would sacrifice to satisfy the need. It’s the same love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13 as being patient, kind, humble, and unselfish. It will neither be envious, nor arrogant. There is so much that can be written from the study of this beautiful chapter on love. It is the number one problem solver.
There is another kind of love that is to be shown among brethren. It is a friendship love that is formed out of a common bond, purpose, or pursuit. That which is described as having commonality is not in areas of sports or other hobbies. When the Lord called his disciples “friends” (Luke 12:4; John 15:13–15), philia was the word he used. And when James named Abraham the friend of God (James 2:23), he used the term philia. Friendship is based on commonalities among equals. We share a common Father, Savior, hope, and values that are based on a common faith. It is, therefore, the love we would expect among dear friends who share a mutual respect for one another and have joint interest in pleasing the Father above all else.
Added to the word love is the word brother. It is a family love which also shares a great deal in common. Below are some of the references that use the noun philia or the verb phileo.
1. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10 ESV)
2. Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another… (1 Thessalonians 4:9, ESV)
3. Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1, ESV)
4. And godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (2 Peter 1:7, ESV)
5. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart … (1 Peter 1:22, ESV)
6. Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8, ESV)
7. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4, ESV)