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◄ Love to Man: Necessary to True Happiness►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Love, as a central theme in the Christian faith, is not only a commandment but also a pathway to true happiness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of love towards others as a reflection of God's love for humanity. This love, often referred to as "agape" love, is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, serving as a cornerstone for Christian living and a source of genuine joy and fulfillment.

Biblical Foundation

The necessity of love for others is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus summarizes the law with two commandments: “‘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). Here, love for others is elevated to a divine mandate, inseparable from the love of God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in his epistles. In1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul describes love as the greatest virtue, surpassing even faith and hope: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13). This passage underscores the preeminence of love in the Christian life and its essential role in achieving true happiness.

Love as a Reflection of God's Nature

The Bible teaches that God is love (1John 4:8), and as His image-bearers, humans are called to reflect this divine attribute. The love that believers are to exhibit is not merely an emotion but an active choice to seek the welfare of others. This is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus, who demonstrated perfect love through His sacrificial death on the cross. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13).

The Role of Love in Community and Personal Fulfillment

Love is foundational to building and sustaining Christian community. The early church is depicted as a community marked by love and mutual care: "All the believers were together and had everything in common" (Acts 2:44). This communal love fosters unity and provides a glimpse of the kingdom of God on earth.

On a personal level, love is integral to experiencing true happiness. The act of loving others aligns believers with God's will and brings about a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Jesus taught that serving others is a source of blessing: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). This principle highlights the paradox of Christian joy—true happiness is found not in self-centered pursuits but in self-giving love.

Challenges and the Call to Persevere in Love

While love is essential to true happiness, it is not without challenges. The fallen nature of humanity means that love often requires patience, forgiveness, and perseverance. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "bear with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2), recognizing that love is a continual commitment rather than a one-time act.

Despite these challenges, the call to love remains paramount. The Apostle John reminds believers of the assurance that comes from loving others: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death" (1John 3:14). This assurance is a testament to the transformative power of love in the believer's life, leading to true happiness and eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Comprehension isNecessary forHappiness?
... crown of justice." Therefore comprehension isnecessary forHappiness... Nowman is
ordered to an intelligible end partly... through the will, first bylove which is...

Love, which is Greater than Faith and Hope, is Shed Abroad in Our...
... For, although it is not possible to hope withoutlove, it may yet happen that a
man does notlove that which isnecessary to the attainment of his...

Contents of Christian Doctrine.
...true which does not promote thelove of God and thelove ofman.... learned elsewhere,
and ought not to be neglected, being indeed speciallynecessary for the...

Contents of Christian Doctrine
...true which does not promote thelove of God and thelove ofman.... learned elsewhere,
and ought not to be neglected, being indeed speciallynecessary for the...

Love of Religion, a New Nature.
... unto the heavenly vision." His obedience wasnecessary for his... We never can guess
what aman is by... no tendencies to disobedience or irreligion, nolove of the...

Man's True Treasure in God
... Now there is another consideration verynecessary to be remembered... expands all the
powers of aman's nature, and... fellowship with God and to live in Hislove....

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7.
... Suppose aman should come to me and ask, "What shall I do to be... No, the inspired
answer is, "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart... But is thatnecessary?...

Religion a Weariness to the NaturalMan.
... have ever confessed how great efforts werenecessary to keep... is come into the world
and menlove darkness rather than light." The nature ofman is flesh...

God'sLove to FallenMan
... 2. What is thenecessary consequence of this?... our meekness, gentleness, and
longsuffering, together with our faith, andlove of God andman, increase, must...

The Enchiridion
... Alms is to Forgive Our Debtors and toLove Our Enemies... Chapter 82.--The Mercy of
God isNecessary toTrue... Chapter 83.--TheMan Who Despises the Mercy of God is...