Topical Bible: Uprightness: They Who Walk in Love Christ

◄ Uprightness: They Who Walk in Love Christ ►

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Definition and Overview:
Uprightness, in the biblical context, refers to a state of moral integrity and righteousness, characterized by adherence to God's commandments and a life that reflects His holiness. It is a quality that is deeply intertwined with the concept of walking in love, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Those who walk in love embody the principles of uprightness, living in a manner that honors God and reflects His love to others.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible frequently associates uprightness with a heart that is aligned with God's will and a life that is lived in accordance with His statutes. In the Old Testament, uprightness is often linked with wisdom and the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse highlights the guiding nature of uprightness, steering individuals towards a path of righteousness.

In the New Testament, the concept of uprightness is further illuminated through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Walking in love, as Christ did, is a manifestation of true uprightness. Ephesians 5:1-2 exhorts believers, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." Here, walking in love is directly connected to living a life of uprightness, following the example set by Christ.

Characteristics of Uprightness:
1. Love and Compassion: Central to uprightness is the command to love God and love others. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 22:37-39 , "‘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.’" Those who walk in love demonstrate compassion, kindness, and selflessness.

2. Obedience to God's Commandments: Uprightness involves a commitment to obeying God's laws and living according to His Word. Psalm 119:1 declares, "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD." This obedience is not out of obligation but out of love and reverence for God.

3. Integrity and Honesty: An upright person is characterized by honesty and integrity in all dealings. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." Integrity is a hallmark of those who walk in love, as they seek to reflect God's truth in their lives.

4. Humility and Repentance: Walking in love requires humility and a willingness to repent when one falls short. James 4:10 encourages believers, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." Uprightness involves recognizing one's own weaknesses and relying on God's grace for strength and forgiveness.

Examples in Scripture:
· Job: Described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), Job's life exemplifies steadfastness in faith and integrity, even amidst severe trials.
· David: Despite his failures, David is remembered as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) because of his sincere repentance and desire to walk in God's ways.
· Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of uprightness, Jesus lived a life of perfect love and obedience to the Father, serving as the model for all believers.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to pursue uprightness by walking in love, following Christ's example. This involves daily surrender to God's will, cultivating a heart of compassion, and striving to live in a manner that reflects His holiness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to live upright lives, bearing witness to the transformative love of Christ in a world in need of His light.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 1:4
Draw me, we will run after you: the king has brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in you, we will remember your love more than wine: the upright love you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... This is to walk by some other rule than the word, and ... desire to follow his way in
truth and uprightness, and to ... They should also at such a time be much in the ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... and Turks there is more fidelity and uprightness than among ... forgiving our neighbors
all such things as they have done ... mercy give us grace so to walk here in ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

"There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ...
... O how should you walk as privileged men, as redeemed ... Indeed they were more and better
than any now ... whose hands are defiled, maintain the uprightness of their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i there is therefore.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... prayer with that measure of earnestness and uprightness of heart ... not be weary, and
they shall walk and not ... want of access in their prayers, they may possibly ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism.
... "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love ... They stand
fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness." Psalm 111:7 ...
/.../i our attitude toward destructive.htm

Following Christ
... the right, or which will make them turn aside from uprightness. ... went down, even though
we had to walk up to ... who are cold-hearted and dead while they profess to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/following christ.htm

Heaven's Nurse Children
... God taught us to stand erect in uprightness like grace ... take so much pains in teaching
their children to walk? I suppose the reason is, because they are their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/heavens nurse children.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... all these are common to men, and men walk after them ... ministration as fleshly and
carnal,"I fear they fall from ... lead me into the land of uprightness, quicken me ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv who walk not.htm

In Him: Like Him
... and chooses that which is according to the law of uprightness. ... you are in Christ;
you ought also to walk in all ... no more go to heaven than the hogs they fatten. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... Sometimes indeed, the upright, while here, "walk in darkness ... ended""They have entered
into peace: They rest in their beds, walking in their uprightness.". ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm