Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, Toward: Fellow-Countrymen

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The concept of love toward fellow-countrymen is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and mutual support within a community or nation. This love is not merely an emotional sentiment but is expressed through actions, justice, and care for one another.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and commandments that highlight the importance of loving one's fellow-countrymen. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to care for one another as members of the same covenant community. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within the community.

Justice and Fairness

Love toward fellow-countrymen is also demonstrated through justice and fairness. The prophet Micah encapsulates this in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Acting justly and loving mercy are integral to expressing love within a nation, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Support and Generosity

The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to support and care for one another. In Galatians 6:10 , Paul writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." While this verse emphasizes the family of faith, it also extends the call to do good to all, including fellow-countrymen, reflecting a broader application of love and kindness.

Unity and Peace

The call to love fellow-countrymen is also a call to unity and peace. In Ephesians 4:3 , Paul exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This unity is essential for a nation to thrive, as it fosters an environment where love can flourish and where individuals work together for the common good.

Practical Expressions

Practically, love toward fellow-countrymen can be expressed in various ways, such as providing for those in need, advocating for justice, and promoting peace and reconciliation. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates that love transcends ethnic and national boundaries, encouraging believers to show compassion and mercy to all, including those within their own nation.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to love fellow-countrymen is a call to action, urging believers to embody the love of Christ in their interactions with others. This love is characterized by justice, support, unity, and practical expressions of care, reflecting the heart of God for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 32:32
Yet now, if you will forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray you, out of your book which you have written.
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Romans 9:2,3
That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
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Romans 10:1
Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
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Library

The Epistles of St. Paul
... will, fulfilling the purpose of the Father's love, doing a ... rule of action for Him,
is that He should institute and ... let the idea of fellowship with man go; but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 3 the epistles of.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... that the Tursha"one of these elements"should have come ... under the form of an armed
man, wearing the ... any regard to the future, merely from love of rapine or ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm