Topical Bible: Love to Man: Commanded by Christ

◄ Love to Man: Commanded by Christ ►

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Introduction

The command to love one another is a central tenet of Christian ethics, deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. This commandment is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate that reflects the character of God and the essence of the Gospel. The Berean Standard Bible provides clear and direct references to this command, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.

Biblical Foundation

The command to love others is explicitly stated by Jesus in the Gospels. In the Gospel of John, Jesus articulates this commandment with clarity and authority: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another" (John 13:34). This directive is not only a call to action but also a reflection of the love that Christ Himself demonstrated through His life, death, and resurrection.

In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus further reinforces this commandment in the context of the greatest commandments. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus responds by linking the love of God with the love of neighbor: "The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these" (Mark 12:31). This connection underscores the inseparable nature of loving God and loving others.

The Nature of Christ-like Love

Christ-like love is sacrificial, unconditional, and active. It transcends mere emotions or feelings and is demonstrated through actions and choices. Jesus exemplified this love through His interactions with individuals from all walks of life, including those marginalized by society. His love was inclusive, reaching out to sinners, tax collectors, and even His enemies.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, elaborates on the characteristics of this love. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul describes love as patient, kind, and devoid of envy or pride. He writes, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud" (1 Corinthians 13:4). This passage serves as a practical guide for believers seeking to embody Christ-like love in their daily lives.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ability to love others as Christ commanded is not achievable through human effort alone. It requires the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letter to the Galatians, where he lists love as the first fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Galatians 5:22). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to love others genuinely and selflessly.

Practical Implications

The command to love others has profound implications for Christian living. It calls believers to engage in acts of service, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the practical outworking of love, challenging believers to extend mercy and kindness beyond cultural and social boundaries.

Furthermore, the command to love is foundational to Christian community and fellowship. In his first epistle, the Apostle John writes, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). This mutual love is a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The command to love one another, as given by Christ, is a defining characteristic of Christian discipleship. It is a call to reflect the love of God in every interaction and relationship, serving as a witness to the world of the grace and truth found in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:12
This is my commandment, That you love one another, as I have loved you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:23
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Love for the Flesh of Man, as Developed in the Grace of ...
... IX."God's Love for the Flesh of Man, as Developed ... from us love to our neighbour after
love to Himself ... 7344] so He will Himself do that which He has commanded. ...
/.../tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter ix gods love for the.htm

The Second Chapter: God's Great Goodness and Love is Shown to Man ...
... Behold, whence love proceeds! ... spoke and all things were made, and this, which You
commanded, was done ... that You, O Lord, my God, true God and man, are contained ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the second chapter gods great.htm

Christ's Reprehension of the Pharisees Seeking a Sign his Censure ...
... their weightier duties when He commanded them: "Thou ... as yet so distasteful [4594]
"a love towards a ... be altogether wretched who places his confidence in man. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii christs reprehension of the.htm

The Son of Man Glorified.
... glory. Now is the Son of man glorified. ... you. The commandment to love was
not new, but such love as the Savior commanded was new. It ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the son of man glorified.htm

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... to the Romans, "Owe nothing to any man, but to ... livery of Christ, nor His cognizance,
which is love. They remember not that Christ commanded us, saying, "This I ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

The Eleventh Chapter: Few Love the Cross of Jesus
... own profit and gain prove that they love themselves rather ... If a man give all his
wealth, it is nothing ... have done all these things that are commanded you, say ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eleventh chapter few love.htm

Love and Obedience
... and that there is nothing sweeter than to be commanded by the ... energy upon this one
principle, 'If ye love Me, the ... The worst man in the world knows a great deal ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/love and obedience.htm

The Man that Stopped Jesus
... Even at that supreme hour He stood still and commanded him to ... not see that my soul
is stained, my love wandering, my ... to us as it did to this blind man: 'Go thy ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the man that stopped jesus.htm

"The Fruit of the Spirit is Love"
... He demands that though a man hate you, still you love him. ... This is the love that
Christ commanded His disciples to exercise. What more did He say? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/the fruit of the spirit.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... thou mayest live, and thy seed, to love the Lord ... the length of thy days." [4000]
Preparing man for this ... Moses himself declared: "And the Lord commanded me at ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm