Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Connected With Brotherly Kindness

◄ Love to Man: should be Connected With Brotherly Kindness ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Context

Love to man, often referred to as "philanthropy" in a broader sense, is a fundamental principle in Christian ethics, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. It is the expression of genuine care, compassion, and concern for the well-being of others. This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in the best interest of others, reflecting the love of God. In the Christian context, love to man is intrinsically connected with brotherly kindness, which is the affectionate regard and goodwill towards fellow believers and humanity at large.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples of love to man, emphasizing its importance as a reflection of one's faith and relationship with God. In 2 Peter 1:7, believers are encouraged to add "brotherly kindness with love" to their faith, indicating that love is the culmination of a virtuous life. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, writes, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another" (Romans 12:10). This verse underscores the call to prioritize others and to cultivate a community marked by mutual respect and honor.

The Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Christ, the ultimate exemplar of love, taught extensively about love to man. In the Gospel of John, He commands His disciples, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). This commandment elevates love to man as a defining characteristic of His followers. Furthermore, in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that love transcends social, ethnic, and religious boundaries, calling His followers to show mercy and kindness to all, regardless of their background.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to love others genuinely. In Galatians 5:22, love is listed as the first fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a natural outgrowth of a life led by the Spirit. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to overcome selfish tendencies and to exhibit love and kindness towards others, even in challenging circumstances.

Practical Expressions

Love to man is manifested in various practical ways, including acts of service, hospitality, forgiveness, and generosity. The early church exemplified this love through communal living and sharing resources, as seen in Acts 2:44-45: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need" . This radical expression of love and brotherly kindness served as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Challenges and Encouragement

While love to man is a noble pursuit, it is not without challenges. Human nature, marred by sin, often gravitates towards selfishness and indifference. However, believers are encouraged to persevere in love, drawing strength from their relationship with Christ. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds" . This encouragement highlights the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where believers support and inspire each other to live out the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Conclusion

The call to love others is a central tenet of the Christian faith, deeply intertwined with the concept of brotherly kindness. It is a reflection of God's love for humanity and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the example of Jesus Christ, believers are equipped to demonstrate this love in their daily lives, impacting the world around them for the glory of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 1:7
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Satan's Devices
... And why should man put them asunder ... if you see any who appear (so far as man can
judge ... already partakers of their hope, already "made perfect in love;" far from ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 42 satans devices.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen ye love; in whom ... that Christ has expressly
asserted that no man can or ... to Christ, and drawn to him, Christ should lose none ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

Spiritual Growth
... character which are Christ-like, such as love, forgiveness of ... I knew a man who wanted
to go to China ... the various kinds of Nature's growth, I should point out ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/xvii spiritual growth.htm

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... conscience suggests, Christ has sanctioned and explained; to love God and ... then in
His Holy Word; and, lest we should be in ... for this is the whole duty of man[1 ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

1 Corinthians xi. 26
... good resolutions made at Christ's table, why should we think ... in man but in Christ,
and in his love to us ... neither do they, properly speaking, rest in man as such ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxx 1 corinthians xi.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... as a Church, and so intimately connected with our ... hearts of Christian citizens together
in love and brotherly ... Every man should be presumed to be innocent until ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... this virtue finds a place only in man's social condition ... And why should the chastisement
that has come upon us ... even amidst sorrow and tears to show love and do ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

An Advance in the Exhortation.
... trembling, lest he also, like others before him, should fall down ... be the coming of
the Son of man."[221 ... has already spoken of their work and the love which they ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter ix an advance in.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... As the name Manes seemed to be connected with the Greek ... way of getting the bill written,
the man should be obliged ... away, it is the husband's duty to love her. ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Children, need spiritual instruction, [211]10; should receive right impressions,
[212]ib ... of His Power in the Garden, [506]279; His love for man, [507]280 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm