Image: St. Pierre Cathedral, Geneva
From Calvin’s commentary
on John 13:35-35:
Brotherly
love is, indeed, extended to strangers, for we are all of the same flesh, and
are all created after the image of God; but because the image of God shines
more brightly in those who have been regenerated, it is proper that the bond of
love, among the disciples of Christ, should be far [closer]. In God brotherly
love seeks its cause, from him it has its root, and to him it is directed.
Thus, in proportion as it perceives any man to be a child of God, it embraces
him with the greater warmth and affection. Besides, the mutual exercise of love
cannot exist but in those who are guided by the same Spirit. It is the highest
degree of brotherly love, therefore, that is here described by Christ; but we
ought to believe, on the other hand, that , as the goodness of God extends to
the whole world, so we ought to love all, even those who hate us.
…. Whosoever, then, desires to be truly a disciple of Christ,
and to be acknowledged by God, let him form and direct his whole life to love
the brethren, and let him pursue his object with diligence.
JTR
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