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

◄ Love to Man: Saints should be Sincere In ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of love is central to Christian theology and practice, and the sincerity of love among believers is emphasized throughout the Scriptures. Love, as a fundamental Christian virtue, is not merely an emotion but a deliberate act of will, reflecting the character of God Himself. The Berean Standard Bible provides numerous passages that highlight the importance of sincere love among the saints.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, exhorts believers to exhibit genuine love: "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12:9). This verse underscores the necessity for love to be authentic and unfeigned, rejecting hypocrisy and embracing goodness.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul further elaborates on the nature of love, describing it as patient, kind, and devoid of envy or pride (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This passage, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," serves as a blueprint for how believers are to love one another sincerely, reflecting the selfless love of Christ.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of sincere love is found in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial love is the model for all believers. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands His disciples: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." The sincerity of love among the saints is a testimony to the world of their discipleship and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Practical Expressions of Sincere Love

Sincere love among believers is manifested in various practical ways. The early church provides a compelling example of this in Acts 2:44-47 , where the believers shared their possessions and cared for one another's needs, demonstrating their love in action. This communal life of love and generosity was a powerful witness to the surrounding community.

The Apostle John, in his first epistle, emphasizes the necessity of love in the life of a believer: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen" (1 John 4:20). This statement highlights the inseparable link between love for God and love for fellow believers, insisting that sincere love must be evident in the relationships among the saints.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to sincere love is clear, believers often face challenges in living it out due to human frailty and sin. The New Testament writers frequently encourage the saints to persevere in love, even in difficult circumstances. The Apostle Peter advises, "Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). This exhortation acknowledges the imperfections within the community of believers and the need for love to foster forgiveness and unity.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, urges them to "put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity" (Colossians 3:14). Here, love is depicted as the essential virtue that binds all others together, promoting harmony and maturity within the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The call for saints to be sincere in their love for one another is a recurring theme in the New Testament, reflecting the heart of the Gospel message. Through the example of Christ and the teachings of the apostles, believers are encouraged to cultivate a love that is genuine, selfless, and reflective of the divine love they have received.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:9
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; hold to that which is good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:6
By pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 8:8
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Eighteenth Chapter: Man Should not Scrutinize this Sacrament ...
... the words of God, believe His saints and prophets ... The man, however, who trusts in
himself is ... and supremely excellent Sacrament, faith and love take precedence ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the eighteenth chapter man should.htm

That a Man Should not be a Curious Searcher of the Sacrament, but ...
... God is able to do more than man can understand. ... believe the words of God, believe
His Saints and Prophets ... For faith and love do here especially take the highest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xviii that a man.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... of persecution, which drove us together in love, whom the ... The poor man shall no more
be tired with his ... O miserable saints in heaven, should you be dispossessed ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

"Truly" Said I, "You have Clearly Proved How Much a Sincere Love ...
... I, "you have clearly proved how much a sincere love can accomplish ... in the East; what
peace the saints enjoy; what ... you knew them, but even that one man, who was ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ii truly said i.htm

Whether it is to be Believed that Our First Parents in Paradise ...
... nothing present which could interrupt man's mental or ... fear of punishment, not through
love of righteousness. ... number of the predestined saints should have been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 10 whether it is to.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... to favor the things of God; to love holiness, and ... essentially consists: And it is
found on all the saints. The good man keeps in mind his covenant engagements. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... "O love the Lord, all ye his saints" (Psalm 31 ... with the sense of his sin, he thought
himself unworthy that ever Christ should take notice ... If any man love me, my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
... THE CHRISTIAN IS A MAN of generous actions, but his wishes go far beyond ... that he
who had in so many ways proved his sincere love to the saints should in his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the pastors parting blessing.htm

Love's Commendation
... sinners we are redeemed, and by it we become saints. ... Christ died, and therein he
commendeth his love towards us ... If a man should be injured in the street, if a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/loves commendation.htm

The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ...
... on the altar, my God, Saint of saints, Creator of ... are wholly present, my God, the
man Christ Jesus ... sensuality, but by firm faith, devout hope, and sincere love. ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the first chapter the great.htm