Love, for one another

Reasons for loving one another

God commands it

Galatians 5:14 AV

14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

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 AV

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

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 AV

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

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 AV

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

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

Love promotes sacrificial service

1 Thessalonians 2:8 AV

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

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 AV

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

See also Job 2:11; Ga 4:14

In meeting material needs

Matthew 25:35 AV

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

See also Dt 15:7–8; 1 Jn 3:17

In affectionate greetings

2 Corinthians 13:12 AV

12 Greet one another with an holy 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