Definition and Scope
Love for all, as presented in the Bible, is a fundamental principle that underscores the Christian faith. It is the unconditional and selfless love that believers are called to extend to every individual, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. This love is rooted in the nature of God and exemplified through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation
The concept of love for all is deeply embedded in Scripture. The Bible teaches that God is love (1 John 4:8), and His love is universal and inclusive. This divine love is not limited by human distinctions or prejudices. In the Old Testament, the call to love one's neighbor is established in the Law: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). This commandment is reiterated and expanded in the New Testament.

Jesus' Teachings
Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, emphasized love as the greatest commandment. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’" (Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus further illustrated this love through the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where He taught that love transcends ethnic and social boundaries.

The New Commandment
In the Gospel of John, Jesus introduces a new dimension to love: "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 commandment calls believers to emulate the sacrificial and unconditional love that Jesus demonstrated, particularly through His death on the cross.

Apostolic Teachings
The apostles continued to teach and expand on the theme of love for all. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorted the early Christian communities to practice love. In Romans 13:8, he writes, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law" . Paul also describes love as the greatest of virtues in 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing its enduring and selfless nature.

The Apostle John, known as the "Apostle of Love," further reinforces this teaching: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). John underscores that love is a defining characteristic of a true believer and a reflection of one's relationship with God.

Practical Application
The call to love for all is not merely theoretical but demands practical application in the life of a believer. This love is to be expressed through acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. It involves loving not only those who are easy to love but also one's enemies, as Jesus taught: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

Challenges and Encouragement
While the call to love for all is clear, it presents challenges due to human nature and societal divisions. However, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to love beyond their natural capacity. The Apostle Paul reminds the church in Galatia: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Galatians 5:22).

Conclusion
The biblical mandate for love for all is a central tenet of the Christian faith, reflecting the heart of God and the essence of the Gospel. It calls believers to a higher standard of love that mirrors the love of Christ, fostering unity and peace in a diverse and divided world.