Love, for one another

Scripture instructs God's people to love one another and illustrates what this means in practice.

Reasons for loving one another

God commands it

Galatians 5:14 See also Leviticus 19:18LEV Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:19 Matthew 22:39 parallel Mark 12:31 the second greatest commandment; John 15:12 Jesus Christ commands his disciples to love one another; Romans 13:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1; James 2:8; 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 2:17; 1 John 3:23, 1 John 4:21; 2 John 1:5

The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

God has taken the initiative in showing love

1 John 4:11 See also Malachi 2:10; 1 Corinthians 8:11–13; 1 John 3:16

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

God's people are known by their love

John 13:35 See also 1 John 2:10, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 4:20

By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

Love maintains fellowship

1 Peter 4:8 See also Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9; Ephesians 4:2

Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Love promotes sacrificial service

1 Thessalonians 2:8 See also Proverbs 17:17; 2 Corinthians 12:15; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:30, Philippians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3

We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.

Expressing love for one another

In caring for the sick

Matthew 25:36 See also Job 2:11; Galatians 4:14

I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’

In meeting material needs

Matthew 25:35 See also Deuteronomy 15:7–8; 1 John 3:17

For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,

In affectionate greetings

2 Corinthians 13:12 See also Genesis 33:4, Genesis 45:14–15; Acts 20:37; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Peter 5:14

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Examples of the demonstration of love for one another

Genesis 14:14–16 Abraham for Lot; Exodus 32:31–32 Moses for Israel; 1 Samuel 18:3 Jonathan; Luke 7:2–6 the Roman centurion for his servant; Luke 10:29–37 the good Samaritan; Acts 4:32, Acts 16:33 the Philippian jailer; Acts 20:38; Romans 16:4; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Ephesians 1:15; Philippians 1:8, Philippians 4:1; 2 Timothy 1:16–17 Onesiphorus; Philemon 1:12; 3 John 1:6

Paul's love for his churches

Corinth: 2 Corinthians 1:3–6, 2 Corinthians 2:4; Galatians 4:19 Galatia; Philippians 1:3, Philippians 1:7, Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, 1 Thessalonians 3:7–10, 1 Thessalonians 3:12