Topical Bible: Love to Man: Saints should Continue In

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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 Foundation

The 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 Love

The 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 Application

The 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 Love

The 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.

Conclusion

The 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 2:15
Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Love of Solitude and Silence
... FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIFE CHAPTER XX Of the love of solitude ... The boldness of the Saints
was always full of the ... 5. No man is worthy of heavenly consolation but he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xx of the love.htm

God's Love Commended to Us.
... they might "be able to comprehend with all saints what is ... And yet here is a young
man for whom Christ ... it consistent with His holiness to pardon and love such a ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xviii gods love commended to.htm

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... OF DIVERS GIFTS OF GOD'S CHOSEN: AND HOW SAINTS COME TO ... For the better a man is,
and the more acceptable to ... more he is stirred by the prickings of love to work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

The Impossibility of Failure.
... This love God rewards. ... It is equally true that the saints under the Old Testament
received not ... has been given to the earnest soul and the perfect man.[112] It ...
/.../chapter vi the impossibility of.htm

Centuries of Meditations
... 86 O Jesu, Thou King of Saints. ... 56 No man loves. ... 58 Shall I not love him
infinitely for whom God made the world and gave His Son? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/

"And this is his Commandment, that we Should Believe on the Name ...
... sea of the love of God, which shall overflow all the saints' graces in ... chain of
affection upon your hearts, and engage your souls by love to God and man. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i and this is.htm

Of Another Kind of Perverted Men
... folk are hard to recognise, save by the man who is ... without our own work and the
knowledge and love of God ... these are contrary to God and all His saints; but they ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter lxvii of another kind.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... It never entered the mind of man that in fifteen ... This communion of saints was therefore
to them an unsolved ... one in Immanuel, all partakers of the same Love. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Other saints do the same ... To the good man it is desirable""He then rests from his
labors ... peculiar to him; it is common to all those "who love Christ's appearing ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

Rom. vi. 5
... with silver on every side, while the bodies of the saints are deprived ... this then,
let us be awestruck with the greatness of His love toward man, and let ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xi rom vi 5.htm