A.W. Pink on Loving the Brothers

The exercise of brotherly love is not only a testimony to the world, but it is also evidence to Christians themselves of their regeneration:

“We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14).

There should be a word of comfort here for those poor saints whose souls are cast down. At present, they cannot “read their title clear to mansions in the sky,” and are afraid to cry “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6), lest they be guilty of presumption.

But here is a door of hope opened to Christ’s little ones:

You may, dear reader, be afraid to affirm that you love God, but do you not love His people? If you do, you must have been born again and have in you the same spiritual nature that is in them.

But do I love them?

Well, do you relish their company, admire what you see of Christ in them, wish them well, pray for them, seek their good?
If so, you certainly love them.

- A. W. Pink, Defining Brotherly Love (reprinted in the Free Grace Broadcaster #206)