John 15:17

Christ having thus commended his love to them, as the pattern and motive of their duty; he doth repeat and resume the former exhortation, v. 12. and presseth it over again by way of conclusion from the former grounds. Whence learn, 1. Mutual love is a duty of great importance, and very excellent in the sight of God: Therefore doth Christ so oft repeat and inculcate it. 2. Our hearts by nature are very dull in taking up our duty, and very untoward and averse from the duty of mutual love; for, so much also doth the inculcating of this exhortation, teach us. 3. Such as take a full and serious view of Christs love to them, cannot but see themselves engaged to mutual love, and to be without excuse, if they neglect it; for, upon the former grounds he here repeateth it, as a duty that cannot be declined. 4. The duty of mutual love is very comprehensive, and containeth many duties in the bosome of it, to which love will stoop and condescend; Therefore Christ exhorts to it, as to many duties; These things I command you, that ye love one another. See Rom, 13.8. 1 Cor. 13.4, 5, 6, 7.