Verse
Context
Put On the New Self
13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And above all these things - Επι πασι δε τουτοις· Upon all, over all; as the outer garment envelopes all the clothing, so let charity or love invest and encompass all the rest. Even bowels of mercy are to be set in motion by love; from love they derive all their feeling, and all their power and promptitude to action. Let this, therefore, be as the upper garment; the surtout that invests the whole man. Which is the bond of perfectness - Love to God and man is not only to cover all, but also to unite and consolidate the whole. It is therefore represented here under the notion of a girdle, by which all the rest of the clothing is bound close about the body. To love God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and one's neighbor as one's self, is the perfection which the new covenant requires, and which the grace and Spirit of Christ work in every sincerely obedient, humble believer; and that very love, which is the fulfilling of the law and the perfection itself which the Gospel requires, is also the bond of that perfection. It is by love to God and man that love is to be preserved. Love begets love; and the more a man loves God and his neighbor, the more he is enabled to do so. Love, while properly exercised, is ever increasing and reproducing itself. Instead of τελειοτητος, perfection, several reputable MSS., with the Itala, read ἑνοτητος, unity; but the former is doubtless the genuine reading.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
above--rather "over," as in Eph 6:16. Charity, which is the crowning grace, covering the multitude of others' sins (Pe1 4:8), must overlie all the other graces enumerated. which is--that is, "for it is"; literally, "which thing is." bond of perfectness--an upper garment which completes and keeps together the rest, which, without it, would be loose and disconnected. Seeming graces, where love is wanting, are mere hypocrisy. Justification by faith is assumed as already having taken place in those whom Paul addresses, Col 3:12, "elect of God, holy . . . beloved," and Col 2:12; so that there is no plea here for Rome's view of justification by works. Love and its works "perfect," that is, manifest the full maturity of faith developed (Mat 5:44, Mat 5:48). Love . . . be ye perfect, &c. (Jam 2:21-22; Jo1 2:5). "If we love one another, God's love is perfected in us" (Rom 13:8; Co1 13:1-13; Ti1 1:5; Jo1 4:12). As to "bond," compare Col 2:2, "knit together in love" (Eph 4:3), "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And above all these things,.... Bowels of mercies, kindness, &c. put on charity, or brotherly love, for without this all is nothing; they will only be done in show and appearance, in mere guise and hypocrisy, if love is wanting; this actuates and exercises all the rest; it is only from this principle that true sympathy, real kindness, undisguised humility, and meekness, patient longsuffering, and forbearance, and hearty forgiveness proceeds: this is greater, and more excellent, than all the other, and adds a glory, lustre, and beauty to them; this is the upper garment that covers all the rest, for so the words may be rendered, "upon all these things put on charity"; whereby a disciple of Christ is visible, and distinguished, and is known to be what he is; this is like a strait and upper garment, keeps close all that is under it, and within it: and it is called the bond of perfectness; either of the law, and the duties of religion, which it is said to be the fulfilling of; or rather of the saints, for this is the bond of union between them, which knits and cements them together, so that they are perfectly joined together, and are of one mind and one heart: it is the bond of peace among them, of perfect unity and brotherly love; and a most beautiful and pleasant thing it is for brethren to live and dwell together in unity; such are beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem among themselves, and terrible to their enemies as an army with banners, being not to be divided or broken by them. The Claromontane exemplar reads, "the bond of unity".
Put On the New Self
13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Four Loves
By C.S. Lewis12K00:29Types of LoveLoveChristian LoveMAT 22:37JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:161JN 4:7C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic love between partners; and Agape, the selfless, unconditional love that reflects God's love for humanity and the love Christians should have for one another. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these different types of love in our relationships and spiritual lives.
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) God's House - a Three Story Building
By Zac Poonen6.2K49:09God's LoveLaw Of The Holy SpiritBuilding the ChurchPRO 22:15MAT 5:9JHN 17:23ACT 2:42ROM 8:1EPH 6:12COL 3:14HEB 10:241PE 3:71JN 4:18Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of building a godly life, home, and church, illustrating that the foundation of our lives must be rooted in the understanding of God's immense love for us, akin to how He loves Jesus. He shares personal experiences of overcoming feelings of inferiority and the necessity of surrendering every aspect of our lives to God to prevent the devil from gaining a foothold. Poonen stresses that a strong personal relationship with God and a loving home environment are essential before one can effectively contribute to the church. He encourages believers to focus on building a community of faith that reflects unity and love, rather than merely individual holiness. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the church as the body of Christ, where believers work together in harmony to fulfill God's purpose.
How a Christian Gives Himself Away
By Alan Redpath5.8K51:31SurrenderISA 40:30MAT 5:44LUK 23:34JHN 4:14ROM 8:22CO 12:8COL 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a different approach to church programs and gatherings. He highlights the story of Gideon and how God used a small number of men to defeat a much larger army. The speaker encourages believers to fully surrender their lives to God and allow Him to work through them in their daily interactions with others. He also references the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with just a few loaves and fishes, illustrating the principle of multiplication through sharing. The sermon concludes with a reminder that living a life surrendered to God may seem impossible from a human perspective, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it becomes achievable.
Fundamentals: The Headship of Christ
By Stephen Kaung2.3K1:04:48HeadshipEPH 1:9EPH 1:22EPH 4:15PHP 2:1COL 2:19COL 3:12COL 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the corporate life or the body life in the church. They highlight that the key principle for living this body life is the headship of Christ. The redemptive work of Jesus is not just about individual salvation, but about recovering God's full purpose for humanity. Through His life, Jesus unites believers into one body, the body of Christ. The speaker encourages believers to walk worthy of this high and holy calling, striving to fulfill God's purpose and be a glorious church without spot or wrinkle.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 6
By Richard Wurmbrand1.9K06:25JHN 3:3ROM 6:4EPH 4:22COL 3:141JN 4:8This sermon delves into the themes of repentance, transformation, and the power of love. It explores the contrast between violence and tenderness, highlighting the impact of genuine love and the need for a spiritual rebirth. The story illustrates the profound change that can occur when one encounters true love and chooses to embrace a new way of living, ultimately leading to a powerful act of baptism and conversion.
Salvation Army Marches and Evangelism
By William Booth1.8K02:25PSA 133:1ACT 1:8EPH 4:3COL 3:14REV 7:9This sermon reflects on Salvationist meetings and the International Congress in London in 1904, showcasing the growth and expansion of the Army's activities over the years. It highlights the unity of different races in a common religious enthusiasm, as seen in the great march past at the Crystal Palace led by General William Bull.
The New Civil War - Election or Free Will
By Shane Idleman1.2K05:24JHN 13:35GAL 5:22EPH 4:3COL 3:14In this sermon, Pastor Shane Idleman addresses the divisiveness within the body of Christ regarding theological differences, emphasizing the importance of love as the defining characteristic of true discipleship. He discusses the balance between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, urging for unity and humility in the midst of doctrinal debates. Pastor Idleman highlights the need for a healthy tension between differing theological positions and the ultimate focus on producing the fruits of the Spirit rather than fostering pride and division.
Ye Are the Light of the World - Part 2
By Roy Daniel1.2K09:05MAT 5:44JHN 13:341CO 13:1GAL 5:22EPH 5:2COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 2:61JN 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of embodying the love of Christ in our actions, rather than just speaking about Jesus. It shares powerful stories of individuals like Will McFarlane, John Wesley, and John Hyde, who demonstrated Christ-like love through their lives, even in the face of persecution and rejection. The message challenges believers to reflect the love of Christ in a tangible way, going beyond mere words or religious activities.
The Progressive and Corporate Aspects of Sanctification
By John Murray1.2K54:16SanctificationGAL 5:22EPH 1:17EPH 4:13PHP 1:9COL 2:19COL 3:142PE 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of corporate interaction and intercommunication among believers. He refers to Ephesians 4:30, which speaks about coming together in unity and growing to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The speaker also mentions John 5:26, where Jesus is described as having the power of life in Himself and giving authority to the Son. The sermon highlights the need for believers to grow in knowledge and love, reflecting the image of the Lord and increasing in the knowledge of God.
New Covenant- God\'s Final Goal - Church -Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:42GEN 1:26GEN 2:18MAT 6:33JHN 13:341CO 12:12EPH 4:16COL 3:14HEB 10:241JN 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning God's will and passing the tests He presents, drawing parallels from Adam's choice of a wife to our own decisions. It highlights the need to prioritize seeking God's kingdom first and not settling for the first option that comes our way. The speaker shares personal experiences of testing and temptation in building a church, stressing the significance of maintaining New Testament standards and true fellowship in the body of Christ.
Love Is the Greatest
By Zac Poonen80759:26MAT 5:44LUK 7:47LUK 18:13ROM 5:82CO 5:14EPH 5:2COL 3:141PE 3:71JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a deep love for Jesus by understanding the depth of His sacrifice on the cross and the significance of forgiveness. It highlights the need to prioritize fellowship with God above all else and to love others as Christ loved us, focusing on genuine, sacrificial love that reflects God's mercy and grace.
Peace Gives Life to the Body
By Shane Idleman80538:09PRO 14:30MAT 11:28JHN 13:35EPH 4:3COL 3:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of peace and unity in both personal lives and within the body of Christ. It highlights how a heart at peace gives life to the body, while envy and bitterness lead to destruction. The speaker stresses the need for forgiveness, love, and unity as foundational principles for revival and spiritual growth, drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings.
Become Little Children to Love One Another
By Ian Robson66619:00PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 18:3JHN 13:331CO 13:42CO 6:11EPH 5:33EPH 6:4COL 3:141JN 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of learning from children, particularly in their humility, love, and openness. It highlights Jesus' endearing words to his disciples as 'little children' and the commandment to love one another. The message stresses the significance of creating a loving and peaceful atmosphere in our homes, where children witness and experience genuine love and affection between parents, fostering a secure and nurturing environment for their growth.
Unreached Peoples: The Tribes of Myanmar Burma Chin State
By Paul Hattaway48800:00PSA 133:1ECC 3:4ROM 12:10COL 3:14This sermon reflects on a journey through Chin Hills in Western Myanmar, encountering the Chin and Naga tribes. It describes the simplicity and peace found in a typical Naga village, where hospitality is shown through traditional rice liquor and cultural practices like tattooing. The celebration in a Chin village showcases the unity and joy of the community in events like childbirth, marriage, and tribal returns, expressed through traditional dances and songs amidst the scenic mountain backdrop.
What Is a Christian 21 Christian Is a New Man
By James K. Boswell46739:06JHN 1:12JHN 1:142CO 4:6COL 3:10COL 3:141JN 1:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the life of Jesus as a perfect example of surrendering to the will of God the Father. Jesus came to do the will of the Father, not his own. His life was empowered and energized by the Holy Spirit, leading him to full surrender and obedience to God's word. The speaker encourages believers to live a life like Jesus, remembering that they possess a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and producing fruit unto holiness and righteousness. The sermon references 2 Peter 1:3-4 to highlight the divine power given to believers and the escape from the corruption of the world through the knowledge of God.
Corinthians - the Most Exellent Way (1)
By J. Glyn Owen42849:20LoveMAT 6:33MAT 10:28LUK 10:171CO 13:1EPH 2:8COL 3:14REV 21:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love, specifically the love of God. He mentions that the word "love" has become diluted in our present context and needs to be explained. The speaker refers to C.S. Lewis's book "Four Loves" as a helpful resource for understanding the concept of love. He then focuses on 1 Corinthians 13, highlighting that without love, the gifts of the Spirit lose their value and significance. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need to consider our actions and motives in light of our love for Jesus Christ.
Love Exceeds All
By Basilea Schlink4129:29God's LoveHumility in LoveMAT 5:44JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 3:81JN 3:161JN 4:8Basilea Schlink emphasizes the boundless love of God in her sermon 'Love Exceeds All', illustrating how this divine love is a source of refreshment and healing for our dry hearts. She encourages believers to recognize their own lack of love and to seek God's love, which flows freely to those who are empty and in need. Schlink highlights the humility and selflessness of Jesus' love, urging us to embody these qualities in our interactions with others, even those who may be difficult to love. The sermon calls for a commitment to love that transcends personal desires and seeks the well-being of others, ultimately reflecting the kingdom of God. It concludes with a reminder that true love requires sacrifice and a willingness to surrender oneself to God’s transformative power.
Let Us - Love One Another
By Phil Beach Jr.3049:08Community in ChristLoveJHN 15:12ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:13EPH 4:2PHP 2:1COL 3:14HEB 13:11JN 3:161JN 4:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of love in the Christian community, urging believers to recognize their weaknesses and rely on God's grace to cultivate a spirit of brotherly love. He highlights the necessity of working together in faith, balancing personal devotion with corporate growth, and warns against the individualistic mindset prevalent in society. The sermon explores the distinction between human love, which is often conditional and fleeting, and divine love, which is sacrificial and unconditional, encouraging the congregation to embody the latter. Beach Jr. calls for a deeper understanding of love as a means to support one another and grow in Christlikeness, ultimately leading to a more authentic Christian life.
Building the House of God - Part 1
By Phil Beach Jr.251:16:02Teamwork in MinistryChurchUnity in the Body of ChristROM 12:41CO 1:101CO 3:61CO 12:12GAL 6:2EPH 4:16PHP 2:3COL 3:14HEB 10:241PE 4:10Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of teamwork in the building of God's house, illustrating that no individual can outshine another in the body of Christ. He shares a personal story about his son playing soccer to highlight that every member has a vital role, and the success of the team depends on collective contributions rather than individual accolades. Beach warns against the dangers of pride and division within the church, urging believers to recognize their interconnectedness and the necessity of each member's contribution to fulfill God's purpose. He calls for a deeper understanding of God's overarching plan and the need for humility and unity among believers.
A Desperate Plea for Unity
By Shane Idleman1348:38Unity in the ChurchOvercoming DivisionPRO 6:16MAT 5:9JHN 17:21ROM 12:101CO 1:10GAL 5:15EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:141PE 3:8Shane Idleman passionately addresses the urgent need for unity within the church, drawing from the teachings of 1 Corinthians. He emphasizes that believers, while called to be saints, often struggle with sin and disunity, which can hinder the work of God. Idleman warns against the divisive nature of arguments and debates over non-essential issues, urging the congregation to focus on the essentials of faith and to fight for unity. He highlights that true unity is not about uniformity in opinion but about being united in purpose and love for Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to examine our hearts and attitudes, especially regarding how we treat one another within the body of Christ.
Love
By J.C. Ryle3Christian DiscipleshipThe Nature of LoveMAT 25:41JHN 13:34ROM 13:81CO 13:13GAL 5:22EPH 5:2COL 3:141TI 1:51PE 4:82PE 1:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the paramount importance of love in the Christian faith, asserting that it is the greatest of all graces, surpassing faith and hope. He outlines the biblical perspective on love, clarifying misconceptions and highlighting its true nature as selfless, patient, and enduring. Ryle argues that genuine love stems from a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit and is essential for true Christian living. He calls for a deeper understanding and practice of love, urging believers to reflect Christ's love in their actions and relationships. Ultimately, Ryle challenges his audience to cultivate love in their lives, as it is the hallmark of true discipleship.
Why I Wanted My Wife to Be My Wife
By Samuel Logan Brengle3MarriageSacrificial LoveGEN 2:18PRO 18:22PRO 31:10ECC 4:9SNG 8:61CO 13:4EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 4:19Samuel Logan Brengle shares a heartfelt reflection on the qualities he sought in a wife, inspired by the loving example of his mother and the sacrificial love he witnessed in a Swedish family's marriage. He emphasizes the importance of character, spiritual devotion, and the willingness to nurture and support one another in a marriage. Brengle recounts his journey of seeking a partner who embodies sweet womanly virtues, education, and a deep love for God, ultimately leading him to the woman who became his wife. He highlights that true love is selfless and sacrificial, and that a divine connection is essential for a lasting marriage. Through prayer and faith, he found the woman who fulfilled his vision of a loving and devoted partner.
Amiable Instincts Not Holiness
By Edward Payson1PRO 4:23MAT 5:48ROM 12:2EPH 4:22PHP 2:3COL 3:141TH 5:23HEB 12:141PE 1:15Edward Payson preaches on the importance of sanctification, focusing on the need for the sanctification of the animal soul, which includes affections like parental love, compassion, and natural temper. He emphasizes that these affections, though seemingly good, need to be sanctified by divine grace to be truly holy and pleasing to God. Payson highlights that sanctification involves having right motives, directing affections towards God, and being in subordination to His will. He warns against relying on natural goodness or amiable tempers for salvation, stressing the necessity of true holiness through sanctification by the Holy Spirit.
Kiss of the Spirit
By George MacDonald1JHN 13:341CO 13:12EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 4:8George MacDonald preaches about the awakening of true love from beneath the rose leaves of illusions and dreams, emphasizing the need for genuine connection beyond surface likings and fancies. He highlights the journey of two individuals moving from mere commonalities to a deep unity where they see and are seen for who they truly are, ultimately meeting in the majesty of truth and the image of God through the power of authentic love.
Reservoir of Love
By D.L. Moody1Divine LoveService to GodMAT 5:44JHN 13:34ROM 5:51CO 13:1GAL 5:22EPH 4:2COL 3:14TIT 2:11PE 4:81JN 4:8D.L. Moody emphasizes the paramount importance of love in the Christian life, asserting that while human love is flawed and limited, Divine love is perfect and boundless, flowing from the Holy Spirit. He argues that true service to God cannot occur without love, as it is the essential fruit of the Spirit and the only acceptable offering in God's work. Moody warns against the dangers of being sound in faith yet lacking in love and patience, highlighting that irritability and impatience can hinder one's ability to serve effectively. He encourages believers to cultivate a love that transcends personal grievances and to remember the transformative power of God's love in their hearts. Ultimately, Moody calls for a return to the love that characterizes the heart of a true follower of Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And above all these things - Επι πασι δε τουτοις· Upon all, over all; as the outer garment envelopes all the clothing, so let charity or love invest and encompass all the rest. Even bowels of mercy are to be set in motion by love; from love they derive all their feeling, and all their power and promptitude to action. Let this, therefore, be as the upper garment; the surtout that invests the whole man. Which is the bond of perfectness - Love to God and man is not only to cover all, but also to unite and consolidate the whole. It is therefore represented here under the notion of a girdle, by which all the rest of the clothing is bound close about the body. To love God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and one's neighbor as one's self, is the perfection which the new covenant requires, and which the grace and Spirit of Christ work in every sincerely obedient, humble believer; and that very love, which is the fulfilling of the law and the perfection itself which the Gospel requires, is also the bond of that perfection. It is by love to God and man that love is to be preserved. Love begets love; and the more a man loves God and his neighbor, the more he is enabled to do so. Love, while properly exercised, is ever increasing and reproducing itself. Instead of τελειοτητος, perfection, several reputable MSS., with the Itala, read ἑνοτητος, unity; but the former is doubtless the genuine reading.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
above--rather "over," as in Eph 6:16. Charity, which is the crowning grace, covering the multitude of others' sins (Pe1 4:8), must overlie all the other graces enumerated. which is--that is, "for it is"; literally, "which thing is." bond of perfectness--an upper garment which completes and keeps together the rest, which, without it, would be loose and disconnected. Seeming graces, where love is wanting, are mere hypocrisy. Justification by faith is assumed as already having taken place in those whom Paul addresses, Col 3:12, "elect of God, holy . . . beloved," and Col 2:12; so that there is no plea here for Rome's view of justification by works. Love and its works "perfect," that is, manifest the full maturity of faith developed (Mat 5:44, Mat 5:48). Love . . . be ye perfect, &c. (Jam 2:21-22; Jo1 2:5). "If we love one another, God's love is perfected in us" (Rom 13:8; Co1 13:1-13; Ti1 1:5; Jo1 4:12). As to "bond," compare Col 2:2, "knit together in love" (Eph 4:3), "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And above all these things,.... Bowels of mercies, kindness, &c. put on charity, or brotherly love, for without this all is nothing; they will only be done in show and appearance, in mere guise and hypocrisy, if love is wanting; this actuates and exercises all the rest; it is only from this principle that true sympathy, real kindness, undisguised humility, and meekness, patient longsuffering, and forbearance, and hearty forgiveness proceeds: this is greater, and more excellent, than all the other, and adds a glory, lustre, and beauty to them; this is the upper garment that covers all the rest, for so the words may be rendered, "upon all these things put on charity"; whereby a disciple of Christ is visible, and distinguished, and is known to be what he is; this is like a strait and upper garment, keeps close all that is under it, and within it: and it is called the bond of perfectness; either of the law, and the duties of religion, which it is said to be the fulfilling of; or rather of the saints, for this is the bond of union between them, which knits and cements them together, so that they are perfectly joined together, and are of one mind and one heart: it is the bond of peace among them, of perfect unity and brotherly love; and a most beautiful and pleasant thing it is for brethren to live and dwell together in unity; such are beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem among themselves, and terrible to their enemies as an army with banners, being not to be divided or broken by them. The Claromontane exemplar reads, "the bond of unity".