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Maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” —Ephesians 4:16 How can one who loves the Lord Jesus in sincerity choose but to love all saints, though of different persuasions, since, notwithstanding that difference, they are all so dear to Him that He gave His life as a ransom for them all? The blood of God was shed for every one of them that there might be a price paid sufficient for their redemption… The Apostle Peter gives this charge in 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves.” Gifts, though excellent, may be abused and perversely employed to instill error and rend the Church of God. Knowledge, if it is alone, will not profit, but will puff up him who has it. But “charity edifieth” (1Co 8:1). Love is greatly beneficial. Its acts are pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits. [It is] against the very nature of it to work ill to any…The grounds and attractions of this love are spiritual; and this is the kind of love of which our primary text speaks. Christian hearts should be filled with it. The more this is expressed, the more the Church must be edified. The nature of this love I shall explain in these particulars. “Let us love one another; for love is of God, and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God” (1John 4:7). [The] Spirit that brings a man to the knowledge of God regenerates him, makes him a new creature, [and] works in him this grace of love. Therefore, we read that the fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal 5:22). Though good nature is an excellent thing, and the dispositions of many incline them to be full of lovingkindness, yet this natural sweetness of temper greatly differs from Christian charity…True love to others is of a heavenly origin. Christians love one another because their Lord and Savior has commanded them to do so. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Both Law and Gospel insist upon this. The sum of the Second Table of the Law is this: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” And by the Gospel, this law is established. Faith in Christ therefore and love are joined. “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment” (1Jo 3:23). Obedience to the command sanctifies our love for our neighbor and render