Topical Bible: Love to Man: Saints should Follow After

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In the Christian faith, love for one's fellow man is a fundamental tenet that is deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture. This love, often referred to as "agape" love, is characterized by selflessness, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of others. The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that illustrate the importance of this love, particularly for those who are considered saints, or believers in Christ.

Biblical Exhortations to Love

The call to love others is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , the Apostle Paul provides a detailed description of love, stating, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This passage underscores the enduring and selfless nature of true love.

Furthermore, in 1 John 4:7-8 , believers are reminded of the divine origin of love: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This passage emphasizes that love is not merely a human emotion but a reflection of God's character, and thus, an essential attribute for His followers.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of love for others is found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Here, Jesus sets the standard for love, urging His followers to emulate His sacrificial and unconditional love.

The sacrificial nature of Christ's love is further exemplified in His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. In John 15:13 , Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This act of ultimate sacrifice serves as a model for believers, illustrating the depth and breadth of love that they are called to extend to others.

Practical Expressions of Love

The New Testament provides practical guidance on how believers can express love towards others. In Galatians 6:10 , Paul encourages the church, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This instruction highlights the importance of actively seeking opportunities to serve and support others, particularly fellow believers.

Additionally, in Romans 12:9-10 , Paul writes, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This passage calls for genuine and heartfelt love, urging believers to prioritize the needs and honor of others above their own.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ability to love others as Christ commands is not solely reliant on human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Romans 5:5 , Paul assures believers, "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." The indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables believers to love others with a divine love that transcends human limitations.

In summary, love for one's fellow man is a central aspect of the Christian life, deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Christ. Believers are called to pursue this love earnestly, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to manifest it through acts of kindness, service, and sacrifice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 14:1
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Saints' Day
... darkness, strong winds and bad times, then the Saints mourn over ... and far above all
the works that man can do ... Therefore we ought to love God very dearly, when He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

All Saints' Day
... of inner poverty, because they really love themselves too ... comfort in the inner and
outer man from all ... Thus all His disciples and Saints have followed after Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvi all saints day.htm

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ...
... how much more ought a Christian, a redeemed man, be the ... will grant they should be
tender of offending the saints. ... which may alienate them from the love of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iv we shall not.htm

Matt. xxiv. 16-18.
... be;" meaning the multitude of the angels, of the martyrs, of all the saints. ... unto
the good things to come, by the grace and love towards man of our ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvi matt xxiv 16-18.htm

Of the Ordering of all the virtues through the Seven Gifts of the ...
... and beholds and apprehends with all saints the nobility of ... Then that enlightened
man lowers his eyes, and beholds ... our spirit, if, through Divine love, we have ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxiii of the ordering.htm

On the Feast of the Holy Martyr, St Laurence
... as impossible for man to posses God without love, as it ... All the Saints, as well as
the Virgin Mary, and all creatures, could not win for such a man, even with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xvi on the feast.htm

On the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
... The holy saints and prophets have said that the Word ... Myself." It is indeed true,
that the man in whom ... humility, and patience, and with fervent and Divine Love. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxii on the exaltation.htm

The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity.
... earth did the Lord bless me, even as He blessed all the saints from Abel ... loved the
Lord with all my strength; likewise also did I love every man even as ...
/.../v the testament of issachar concerning.htm

That a Man Should not be a Curious Searcher of the Sacrament, but ...
... God is able to do more than man can understand. ... believe the words of God, believe
His Saints and Prophets ... For faith and love do here especially take the highest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xviii that a man.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... by the exhortations of any of the saints, as he is ... who already believe, it briefly
adds, "What man is he ... we may be brought together into one love, according to ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm