The Bible emphasizes the importance of loving one another throughout its various books. While it's difficult to give an exact number, the concept of love permeates the scriptures.
Here are some examples:
- The New Testament: The most famous passage is John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This passage is often referred to as the "Great Commandment."
- The Old Testament: While not as explicitly stated as in the New Testament, the concept of love for others is prevalent. For instance, Leviticus 19:18 states, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."
- The Gospels: Jesus frequently emphasizes love in his teachings. Matthew 22:39 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This echoes the Old Testament passage but is explicitly attributed to Jesus.
In conclusion, the Bible doesn't explicitly state a specific number of times it commands love for one another. However, it is a central theme throughout the scriptures, emphasizing its importance for both personal and communal well-being.
