Topical Encyclopedia
Love, as a central tenet of Christian doctrine, is not only a divine attribute but also a commandment for believers to embody in their relationships with others. The love that saints are called to exhibit is not a transient emotion but a steadfast commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the love of Christ.
Biblical FoundationThe call for saints to continue in love is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Gospel of John, Jesus commands His disciples, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (
John 15:12). This directive establishes the standard of love that believers are to emulate—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
The Apostle Paul further emphasizes the importance of love in his epistles. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good" (
Romans 12:9). Here, love is portrayed as genuine and sincere, devoid of pretense, and aligned with righteousness.
Characteristics of LoveThe love that saints are to continue in is characterized by several key attributes, as outlined in
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 : "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."
These verses highlight the enduring and selfless nature of love, which is essential for maintaining unity and harmony within the body of Christ. Love is patient and kind, demonstrating a willingness to bear with others and extend grace. It is not envious or boastful, ensuring that relationships are free from rivalry and pride.
Practical ApplicationThe practical application of love among saints is evident in the early church's communal life.
Acts 2:44-45 describes how "all the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." This passage illustrates the tangible expression of love through generosity and mutual support.
Furthermore, the Apostle John exhorts believers to love not only in words but in actions: "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth" (1
John 3:18). This call to action underscores the necessity of demonstrating love through deeds, ensuring that it is a living and active force within the community.
Perseverance in LoveThe continuation of love is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as believers are encouraged to persevere in their love for one another.
Hebrews 13:1 succinctly states, "Let brotherly love continue." This exhortation serves as a reminder that love is not a one-time act but a continual practice that requires diligence and commitment.
The Apostle Peter also urges believers to "love one another deeply, from a pure heart" (
1 Peter 1:22). This deep and sincere love is essential for fostering a strong and resilient community of faith, capable of withstanding trials and challenges.
ConclusionThe call for saints to continue in love is a fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship. It is a reflection of the love of Christ and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. Through patience, kindness, and selflessness, believers are to embody the love that binds the community of faith together, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and light in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Timothy 2:15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of theLove of Solitude and Silence
... FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CHAPTER XX Of thelove of solitude... The boldness of theSaints
was always full of the... 5. Noman is worthy of heavenly consolation but he...
God'sLove Commended to Us.
... they might "be able to comprehend with allsaints what is... And yet here is a young
man for whom Christ... it consistent with His holiness to pardon andlove such a...
Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and HowSaints Come toLove in...
... OF DIVERS GIFTS OF GOD'S CHOSEN: AND HOWSAINTS COME TO... For the better aman is,
and the more acceptable to... more he is stirred by the prickings oflove to work...
The Impossibility of Failure.
... Thislove God rewards.... It is equally true that thesaints under the Old Testament
received not... has been given to the earnest soul and the perfectman.[112] It...
Centuries of Meditations
... 86 O Jesu, Thou King ofSaints.... 56 Noman loves.... 58 Shall I notlove him
infinitely for whom God made the world and gave His Son?...
"And this is his Commandment, that weShould Believe on the Name...
... sea of thelove of God, which shall overflow all thesaints' graces in... chain of
affection upon your hearts, and engage your souls bylove to God andman....
Of Another Kind of Perverted Men
... folk are hard to recognise, save by theman who is... without our own work and the
knowledge andlove of God... these are contrary to God and all Hissaints; but they...
The Communion ofSaints.
... It never entered the mind ofman that in fifteen... This communion ofsaints was therefore
to them an unsolved... one in Immanuel, all partakers of the sameLove....
The GoodMan Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Othersaints do the same... To the goodman it is desirable""He then rests from his
labors... peculiar to him; it is common to all those "wholove Christ's appearing...
Rom. vi. 5
... with silver on every side, while the bodies of thesaints are deprived... this then,
let us be awestruck with the greatness of Hislove towardman, and let...
Resources
What are the different types of love mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is finding true love so difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about falling in love? | GotQuestions.orgLove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
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