Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about brothers and sisters in christ?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that all who trust in Christ are brought into God’s family and are called to love, honor, and care for one another as true spiritual brothers and sisters. Jesus says in Matthew 12:48-50 that those who do His Father’s will are His family, showing that union with Him creates a deeper bond than natural ties. Romans 12:5 describes believers as one body in Christ, while John 13:34-35 makes self-giving love the visible mark of His disciples. This love must be sincere and practical: 1 Timothy 5:1-2 calls for purity and respect, and 1 John 4:7, 12, 20 teaches that love for God is shown by loving fellow believers.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 12:48-50 5 votes

    [48] But he answered him who spoke to him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" [49] He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! [50] For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother."

  • 1 John 4:20 4 votes

    If a man says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn't love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

  • Romans 12:5 4 votes

    so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

  • John 13:34-35 3 votes

    [34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

  • 1 Timothy 5:1-2 3 votes

    [1] Don't rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; [2] the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

  • Proverbs 17:17 3 votes

    A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

  • Matthew 12:50 2 votes

    For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother."

  • 1 John 4:12 2 votes

    No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.

  • 1 John 4:7 2 votes

    Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 2 votes

    But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about brothers and sisters in christ and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about brothers and sisters in christ