Topical Bible: Love to Man: Saints should be Disinterested In

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In the Christian tradition, love is a central tenet, and the love that believers are called to exhibit is often characterized by selflessness and purity of intention. The concept of being "disinterested" in love does not imply a lack of care or concern, but rather a love that is free from selfish motives or personal gain. This form of love is rooted in the example of Christ and is a reflection of divine love.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that encourage believers to love others without seeking personal benefit. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 , the Apostle Paul describes love as patient and kind, not envious or boastful, and not self-seeking. This passage underscores the nature of true Christian love as one that is not driven by self-interest.

Furthermore, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:44 instructs believers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This command challenges the natural human inclination to love only those who love us in return and calls for a love that transcends personal feelings and desires.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of disinterested love is found in Jesus Christ Himself. Philippians 2:5-8 speaks of Christ's humility and selflessness, as He "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant" and became obedient to death on a cross. This sacrificial love was not motivated by what He could gain but was an expression of His divine nature and mission to redeem humanity.

Practical Application

Saints, or believers, are called to emulate this disinterested love in their daily lives. This involves acts of kindness and service that are done without expectation of reward or recognition. In Luke 6:35 , Jesus encourages His followers to "love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return." Such actions reflect a heart transformed by the love of God and a commitment to living out the Gospel.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to disinterested love is clear, it is not without its challenges. Human nature often gravitates towards self-preservation and personal benefit. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate this love within them. Romans 5:5 assures us that "God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

In summary, the love that saints are called to exhibit is one that mirrors the selfless and sacrificial love of Christ. It is a love that seeks the good of others without regard for personal gain, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in the believer's life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 13:5
Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 2:4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Love for a Sinning World
... there might be seen the joys of redeemed saints, who are ... to you that had so melted
your soul in gratitude and love. ... Lorenzo Dow once met a man as he was riding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm

Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ...
... The saints in heaven have pure and perfect love for all beings, yet we know not
that they have ... 1. One effect of perfect love to God and man will certainly ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/love worketh no ill to.htm

Love's Logic
... If the ardent love of some saints often takes the shape of admiration of God ... A man
could not speak to God as to a friend, unless he knew the love that God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

Attributes of Love.
... attribute will secure in all the saints on earth ... The benevolent man will, therefore,
and must, honestly weigh ... is an attribute of the divine love, is manifested ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xv attributes of love.htm

Do are Then Make Void the Law through Faith? God Forbid; Yea, we ...
... next step is for his heart to go out in disinterested love. Suppose a man was under
sentence of death for rebel ... just as they do in hell; and saints would love ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/do are then make void.htm

Behold all Ye that Kindle a Fire, that Compass Yourselves About ...
... It depends on your hope, and not on your love for the ... I do not say that true saints
do not enjoy their hope ... only such kind of enjoyment in it, as a man does who ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/behold all ye that kindle.htm

Evidences of Regeneration.
... predisposed to lay hold on whatever gives promise of good to man. True saints love
reform. ... It is impossible that a truly benevolent mind should not thus regard ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxx evidences of regeneration.htm

Attributes of Love.
... in God's joy, and in the joy of angels and of saints. ... therefore, is always supreme
to God and equal to man. 7. Universality is another attribute of this love. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

Christian Sympathy
... The man who is devoid of love will be ... foulness all behind, and being girt about with
the white linen which is the righteousness of the saints." If our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Sanctification.
... Suppose the saints commanded to be perfect, and to "grow up to the ... (i.) It professedly
sums up the whole duty of man to God"to fear and love him with all ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvii sanctification.htm