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I. WHY IS THIS CALLED NEW?

1. Negatively. Not as if it was not enjoined before (1 John 2; John 7; 2 John 5; Leviticus 19:18).

2. Positively.

(1)  Newly freed from the false glosses of the Jews (Matthew 5:43-44).

(2)  Newly infused into the heart as well as commanded.

(3)  Christ adds a new authority to it, and a new obligation on us.

(4)  Because it is so excellent (Psalm 32:3).

(5)  It is to be performed according to a new pattern, viz., Christ's love to us.

II. BY WHAT POWER DOES CHRIST LAY HIS COMMANDS UPON US?

1. AS God (John 20:28).

2. As King and head of the Church (Matthew 28:18).

III. WHAT LOVE IS IT WE SHOULD HAVE TO ONE ANOTHER?

1. Pray for one another (1 Timothy 2:1).

2. Forgive one another (Matthew 6:14).

3. Help one another.

(1)  In temporals (Matthew 7:11).

(2)  In spirituals (Leviticus 19:17).

4. Sympathize with one another.

(1)  In prosperity (Romans 12:15).

(2)  In adversity.

5. Relieve one another's necessities

(1)  In obedience to God (1 John 3:17).

(2)  Proportionably to our estates (1 Corinthians 16:2).

(3)  Humbly, not thinking to merit thereby (Luke 17:10).

IV. HOW IS CHRIST'S LOVE TO US TO BE A PATTERN FOR OUR LOVE?

1. Negatively.

(1)  Not that we can suffer so much for others as He has done for us.

(2)  Nor do so much; for He has obtained the pardon of our sins (1 John 2:2); peace with God (Romans 5:1); heaven (John 14:2).

2. Positively.

(1) Our love must proceed from the same principles.

(a)  Obedience.

(b)  Compassion.

(2) In the same manner.

(a)  Readily (Titus 3:1; Psalm 40:7, 8).

(b)  Sincerely. —

(c)  Effectually, in deeds as well as words (1 John 4:18).

(d)  Humbly, thinking nothing too low for us to do for others (Philippians 2:6-8).

(e)  Constantly (ver. 1).

(3) To the same objects, His enemies (Romans 8-10).

(4)  To the same ends

(a)  God's glory (John 17:4; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

(b)  Others good (Acts 10:38).

V. Use. Consider —

1. Unless you love others you have no love for God (1 John 3:17).

2. It is the fulfilling of all the law (Romans 13:9).

3. No duty is accepted without it (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

4. It is the badge of a Christian (ver. 35).

5. It is an everlasting grace (1 Corinthians 13:8, 13).

6. Christ will judge us according to this command (Matthew 25:45).

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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KJV: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

WEB: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another.