Doctrines (posted Wednesday, July 4 2007)

The most prominent command to believers in The New Testament is to love: to live in it, to show it to others, and to honor Christ through it. Only by having love can a Christian know that he is doing the will of God in his daily life.

What does it mean to love your neighbor?

What does the New Testament teach about love?

Our Lord Jesus Christ discussed love frequently to the twelve and in His teachings to all the Jews. Many of His exhortations were for His followers to show love to everyone.

- Matthew 5:43-47 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

- Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: "'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.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

- Luke 6:27-28 "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

- John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

These teachings clearly indicate that having love is a primary goal of Christians, and not only a goal but a demonstration of the discipleship of Christ. This theme is further reinforced in the rest of the New Testament, where the early church is continually exhorted to exercise love and fellowship among the brethren.

- Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

- 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

- Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love

- 1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

- 1 John 2:10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.

- 1 John 3:11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

The over-riding message is apparent. Love is the first and greatest command, and a fulfillment of the will of God.

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