Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Loving Each Other

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Definition and Importance

Love to man, as a fundamental tenet of Christian doctrine, is the expression of genuine care, compassion, and selflessness towards others. This love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in the best interest of others, reflecting the love that God has for humanity. The Bible emphasizes the importance of love as a defining characteristic of a true follower of Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The command to love one another is deeply rooted in Scripture. Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, underscored this principle as a new commandment: "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 elevates love to a divine standard, calling believers to emulate the sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ.

Exemplified in the Early Church

The early Christian community exemplified love for one another, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. The believers were described as being "of one heart and soul" and shared their possessions so that "there was no needy person among them" (Acts 4:32, 34). This communal love was a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Practical Expressions of Love

1. Bearing One Another's Burdens: The Apostle Paul instructs believers to "carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). This involves supporting each other in times of difficulty, offering encouragement, and providing practical help.

2. Forgiveness: Love is manifested through forgiveness, as Paul exhorts, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of love, reflecting the grace that believers have received from God.

3. Hospitality: The practice of hospitality is another expression of love. Peter urges, "Show hospitality to one another without complaining" (1 Peter 4:9). Welcoming others into one's home and life is a tangible demonstration of love and community.

4. Encouragement and Edification: Believers are called to "encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This involves speaking words of life, offering support, and helping others grow in their faith.

The Role of Love in Christian Witness

The love that believers show to one another serves as a powerful witness to the world. Jesus declared, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). The visible love among Christians is a testament to the reality of Christ's presence and the truth of the Gospel.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to love one another is clear, it is not without challenges. Human nature, with its tendencies towards selfishness and pride, can hinder the expression of genuine love. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to love beyond their natural capacity. Paul reminds the church, "The fruit of the Spirit is love" (Galatians 5:22), indicating that true love is a result of living in step with the Spirit.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to love one another is a central aspect of Christian life and community. It is through love that believers reflect the character of Christ and fulfill His commandment, serving as a beacon of hope and truth in a world in need of divine love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 5:13
For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Cor. xii. 27
... her husband for the kindness; and she exhibited the garments ... as if they do no sign,
but love one another ... me to die," saith he, "than that any man should make my ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxii 1 cor xii.htm

The Attractive Force of the Cross.
... a person came into our hands, we should not be ... To sinners the love of God manifested
itself in providing a ... the most insuperable obstacles that lay in man's path ...
/.../iv the attractive force of.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Old Testament in their visible ...
... determined that a people should be born who should worship one ... of God enjoined upon
us, but also the love of our ... is fulfilled by no one save the man who has ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 27 of the prophecies of.htm

The Love that Constrains
... of selfishness, and the highest type of love should be, and ... we are under the influence
of Christ's love will be ... all sin and ignobleness, is when a man can say ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the love that constrains.htm

Christian Sympathy
... virtue is its very life; a land where love has knit ... Fallen and debased as man is,
and this pulpit is ... harlots can exhibit sympathy, how much more should it burn ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... in the defense of that, and for the love of that ... my holiness about me that would
make a wicked man feel ill at ... pray for him." Yes, and all of us should say, "If ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... base action is it that is not exhibited in the ... against, as the apostle says, "that
no man should blame us ... arises from the fire which we call love, leading to ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Concerning Things Accomplished in the Synaxis.
... As, then, children after the flesh, if, whilst immature and unformed, they should
anticipate their ... When the supremely Divine love towards Man has thus ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput iii i concerning things.htm

The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son.
... because" or "inasmuch as." The sentence should be read ... that his Saviour has already
in sovereign love laid hold ... has already come to this sinful man, in loving ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/the lost sheep the lost.htm

Rom. I. 28
... have I in heaven, and what is there upon earth, that I should desire in ... of Him, which
may we all attain unto by the grace and love toward man of our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v rom i 28.htm