Is affection to our neighbours, and especially to the saints, prompting us to every act of kindness toward them. It does not indeed, consist merely in pity to and relief of others, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 : in love to our benefactors only, and those who are related to us, Matthew 5:46-47 . It must flow from love to God, and extend to all mankind; yea, we are required by the highest authority to love even our enemies, Matthew 5:1-48 . not so as to countenance them in their evil actions, but to forgive the injuries they have done to us. Love to good men, also, must be particularly cultivated, for it is the command of Christ, John 13:34; they belong to the same Father and family, Galatians 6:10; we hereby give proof of our discipleship, John 13:35 . The example of Christ should allure us to it, 1 John 3:16 . It is creative of a variety of pleasing sensations, and prevents a thousand evils: it is the greatest of all graces, 1 Corinthians 13:13 .
It answers the end of the law, 1 Timothy 1:5; resembles the inhabitants of a better world, and without it every other attainment is of no avail, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 : This love should show itself by praying for our brethren, Ephesians 6:1-24; bearing one another's burdens, by assisting and relieving each other, Galatians 6:2 . By forbearing with one another, Colossians 3:13 . By reproving and admonishing in the spirit of meekness, Proverbs 27:5-6 . By establishing each other in the truth; by conversation, exhortation, and stirring up one another to the several duties of religion, both public and private, Judges 1:20-21 . Hebrews 10:24-25 .
See CHARITY.