Topical Bible: Perfection: Charity is the Bond of

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In the Christian theological framework, the concept of perfection is often intertwined with the virtue of charity, or love, which is considered the ultimate expression of Christian maturity and completeness. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, emphasizes the preeminence of love as the binding force that brings about spiritual perfection.

The phrase "charity is the bond of perfection" is derived from Colossians 3:14, where Paul writes, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity" . Here, love is depicted as the crowning virtue that holds all other virtues together, leading to a state of spiritual completeness and harmony within the body of Christ.

In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul elaborates on the nature of love, describing it as patient, kind, and devoid of envy or pride. He concludes with the assertion that love is the greatest of all virtues: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). This passage underscores the idea that love is not only essential but also the highest expression of Christian life, surpassing even faith and hope in its enduring significance.

The concept of love as the bond of perfection is further supported by Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets with the two greatest commandments: to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. These commandments encapsulate the essence of the Christian moral and ethical life, suggesting that love is the fulfillment of the law and the path to spiritual perfection.

Moreover, in 1 John 4:12, the Apostle John writes, "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us" . This verse highlights the transformative power of love in the believer's life, indicating that through love, God's presence is manifested and His love is brought to completion within us.

The pursuit of perfection through love is not merely an individual endeavor but a communal one. Ephesians 4:15-16 speaks to the growth of the church body in love: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" . This passage illustrates how love functions as the cohesive force that unites believers, fostering growth and maturity in the likeness of Christ.

In summary, within the biblical narrative, charity or love is portrayed as the essential bond that leads to spiritual perfection. It is the virtue that encapsulates the essence of Christian teaching, serving as the foundation for all other virtues and the ultimate goal of the Christian life. Through love, believers are united, the law is fulfilled, and the presence of God is perfected in the community of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 3:14
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Perfection of the Christian Life Consists Chiefly in ...
... On the contrary, It is written (Col.3:14): "Above all things have charity, which
is the bond of perfection," because it binds, as it were, all the other ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the perfection of the.htm

Whether Martyrdom is an Act of the Greatest Perfection?
... is the bond of perfection." Now, of all virtuous acts martyrdom is the greatest
proof of the perfection of charity: since a man's love for a thing is proved to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether martyrdom is an act 3.htm

That the virtues have their Perfection from Divine Love.
... Charity is then the bond of perfection, [524] since in it all the perfections of
the soul are contained and assembled, and since without it, not only can one ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ix that the virtues.htm

Of the Sovereign Degree of Union by Suspension and Ravishment.
... But to avoid all ambiguity, know, Theotimus, that charity is a bond, and a bond
of perfection; [334] and he that has more charity is more closely united and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii of the sovereign.htm

Excellence of this virtue.
... Perfection is founded entirely on the love of God: "Charity is the bond of perfection
[2] ;" and perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with ...
/.../de liguori/uniformity with gods will/1 excellence of this virtue.htm

The Beauty and Excellency of this World Consists, not Only in the ...
... fellow captives, companions in misery, and then companions in mercy and blessedness,
that is a new and stronger bond. ... This perfection is charity and love to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter i the beauty and.htm

Uniformity with God's Will
... Uniformity With God's Will Saint Alphonsus de Liguori. "Perfection is founded entirely
on the love of God: Charity is the bond of perfection;' and perfect love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/de liguori/uniformity with gods will/title page.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... they are all to be referred to them; but "the greatest of these is charity." From
the third passage they infer, If charity is the bond of perfection, it must ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

Whether Faith is the First of the virtues?
... things have charity which is the bond of perfection." Consequently faith without
charity cannot be the foundation: and yet it does not follow that charity ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether faith is the first.htm

Christian Perfection
... the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.""Heb.6 ... "And
above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter viii christian perfection.htm