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I. ITS ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS AND CONDITIONS.

1. As an essential element of this love there must be the full recognition of a common humanity in all men, whatever their country, their colour, their language, their birth, or their condition.

2. But the doctrine goes farther, and recognises in all mankind not only the brotherhood of a common physical descent and of like physical characteristics, but a higher relationship as the common offspring of God.

3. And hence again, this love for man which the gospel enjoins, must flow primarily from love to God.

4. The Scriptures always trace this love to a renovated heart.

II. ITS PRACTICAL SPHERE AND EFFECTS.

1. We may trace the practical working of this spirit, in charity for the opinions of others in matters of religion.

2. Another application of this law of love is to the faults of others.

3. This spirit of love should be viewed in its application to the necessities of our fellowmen.

4. This spirit of love will prompt also to all wise and beneficent measures of philanthropy and reform.

III. HINDRANCES TO ITS EXPRESSION.

1. These hindrances lie in the want of consideration. A candid allowance for the circumstances of others would almost always mitigate that severity of judgment which fastens upon the outward act, or makes one an offender for a word.

2. In the want of intercourse. If travel enlarges the mind, it expands the heart also to a kindlier judgment of men, and sympathy toward them.

3. In some lurking selfishness, which invents excuses for not loving others.

IV. THE METHODS OF DEVELOPING THIS AFFECTION.

1. By rightly estimating its power. Power does not lie in noisy demonstration or in visible force. The power that again melts down these barriers and unlocks the frozen earth, can you hear that, though it makes the trees clap their hands and wakes all the birds to song? And can you hear love; or weigh it, or measure it? But in that little word lies a power greater than philosophy, diplomacy, or arms, to rule and mould the world.

2. By the constant and studious practice of love.

3. By elevated communion with God. "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." And so we are urged to cultivate this love.

4. By its own dignity and blessedness. The Scriptures place love before all things, in the enumeration of Christian graces. "Charity never faileth."

(Joseph P. Thompson.)

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KJV: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

WEB: Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;