3:14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the {h} bond of perfectness.

(h) Which bonds and knits together all the duties that take place between men.

3:14 Above all these things [put on] charity. Love (Revised Version). If our souls are imbued with love, like that of Christ, it will be easy then to forbear and forgive.

Which is the bond of perfectness. All the Christian graces are bound together in love. It is the source of them all.

3:14 The love of God contains the whole of Christian perfection, and connects all the parts of it together.

3:12-17 We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his. Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men. The gospel is the word of Christ. Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them. The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ. But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we sing. Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him. Those who do all in Christ's name, will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.



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