Love, for one another

Reasons for loving one another

God commands it

Galatians 5:14 NLT

14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

See also Le 19:18

Love for foreigners commanded:

Le 19:34; Dt 10:19

Mt 22:39 the second greatest commandment; Jn 15:12 Jesus Christ commands his disciples to love one another; Ro 13:10; 1 Th 4:9; Heb 13:1; Jas 2:8; 1 Pe 1:22; 1 Pe 2:17; 1 Jn 3:23; 1 Jn 4:21; 2 Jn 5

God has taken the initiative in showing love

1 John 4:11 NLT

11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

See also Mal 2:10; 1 Co 8:11–13; 1 Jn 3:16

God’s people are known by their love

John 13:35 NLT

35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

See also 1 Jn 2:10; 1 Jn 3:14; 1 Jn 4:7; 1 Jn 4:16; 1 Jn 4:20

Love maintains fellowship

1 Peter 4:8 NLT

8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.

See also Pr 10:12; Pr 17:9; Eph 4:2

Love promotes sacrificial service

1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT

8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

See also Pr 17:17; 2 Co 12:15; Ga 5:13; Php 2:30; Php 4:10; 1 Th 1:3

Expressing love for one another

In caring for the sick

Matthew 25:36 NLT

I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

See also Job 2:11; Ga 4:14

In meeting material needs

Matthew 25:35 NLT

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

See also Dt 15:7–8; 1 Jn 3:17

In affectionate greetings

2 Corinthians 13:12 NLT

Greet each other with a sacred kiss.

See also Ge 33:4; Ge 45:14–15; Ac 20:37; Ro 16:16; 1 Co 16:20; 1 Pe 5:14

Examples of the demonstration of love for one another

Ge 14:14–16 Abraham for Lot; Ex 32:31–32 Moses for Israel; 1 Sa 18:3 Jonathan; Lk 7:2–6 the Roman centurion for his servant; Lk 10:29–37 the good Samaritan; Ac 4:32; Ac 16:33 the Philippian jailer; Ac 20:38; Ro 16:4; 2 Co 2:4; Eph 1:15; Php 1:8; Php 4:1; 2 Ti 1:16–17 Onesiphorus; Phm 12; 3 Jn 6

Paul’s love for his churches

Corinth:

2 Co 1:3–6; 2 Co 2:4

Ga 4:19 Galatia

Philippi:

Php 1:3; Php 1:7; Php 4:1

Thessalonica:

1 Th 2:7–8; 1 Th 3:7–10; 1 Th 3:12