God and Christ commanded us to love man. The Saviour gave us an example in doing it (I John 4:7,21; John 13:34; John 15:12; I John 3:23). It is taught by God and is a fruit of the Spirit (I Thes. 4:9; Gal. 5:22; Col. 1:8). Without it, gifts and sacrifices are as nothing. Love is the great commandment (I Cor. 13:1,2,3; Matt. 22:37-39; I Tim. 1:5). This love we should put on, follow after, abound and continue in, and, while provoking each other to it, we should be sincere, disinterested and fervent in it (Col. 3:14; I Cor. 14:1; Phil. 1:9; I Thes. 3:12; I Tim. 2:15; II Cor. 8:7; Rom. 12:9; I Cor. 10:24; I Pet 1:22). This virtue should be connected with brotherly kindness and should be practiced with a pure heart. We should show it toward saints, ministers, our families, our fellow countrymen, strangers, enemies; yes, to all men! (I Pet 2:17; I Thess. 5:13; Eph. 5:25; Ex. 32:32; Lev. 19:34; Ex. 23:4-5; Matt. 5:44; Rom. 12:14,20; Gal. 6:10), and demonstrate it by ministering to the wants of others, relieving strangers, visiting the sick, clothing the needy, sympathizing with and supporting the weak, covering the faults of others, forgiving, forbearing (Matt 25:35; Gal. 5:13; Lev. 25:35; Is. 58:7; Job 31:16; Jas. 1:27; Rom. 12:15; Gal. 6:2; Prov. 10:12; Eph. 4:32, 4:2). This love to man is evidence of our being in the light of our discipleship with Christ and of spiritual life (I John 2:10; John 13:35; I John 3:14). It is the fulfillment of the Law, is good and pleasant, is a bond of union and perfectness and necessary to true happiness (Rom. 13:8-10; Ps. 133:1-2; Col. 2:2; Col. 3:14; Prov. 15:17).
