What Does Love Mean In The Bible?
The concept of love is central to the Bible and Christianity. In fact, Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
But what exactly does the Bible say love is?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible defines love in various ways – as sacrificial, unconditional, enduring commitment; gentle caring affection; brotherly fondness; romantic intimacy; and more.
Key principles of biblical love include putting others first, extending mercy and grace, bearing all things, and never failing.
Defining Love
Sacrificial Love
Sacrificial love refers to the willingness to give up something precious for the sake of another. It is seen most clearly in the life of Jesus, who willingly suffered and died on the cross for the sins of humanity (John 3:16). Sacrificial love puts the needs and interests of others above one’s own.
As the Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). This type of selfless, sacrificial love should characterize relationships among believers (1 John 3:16).
Examples of sacrificial love in human relationships include caring for a sick spouse, donating an organ to save someone’s life, or moving across the country to care for an aging parent. Sacrificial love gives generously without expecting anything in return.
Unconditional Love
Unconditional love is steadfast, unchanging affection that is not dependent on the response or worthiness of the recipient. The supreme example of unconditional love is God’s love for humanity. The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
Though humans turned away from God, He continued reaching out in love and longing for restored relationship.
Human unconditional love is modeled after God’s love. Parents ideally love their children unconditionally, even when a child disappoints or rebels. Unconditional love means choosing to love someone regardless of feelings or circumstances. It is fueled by a constant choice and not by fleeting emotions.
Unconditional love shows acceptance, grace, and forgiveness.
Love as Commitment
Love as commitment means choosing to maintain a loving relationship over the long-term. This steadfast love is based on keeping one’s promise to care for another person despite trials or temptations to walk away.
In marriage, commitment means spouses choose to stay together through ups and downs, remaining faithful to their vows.
The Bible extols committed love, saying “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). God’s love for His people is presented as a committed, covenant love.
Despite Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness, God remained committed to His people and fulfilled His promises of redemption (Hosea 11:1-9). As God modeled commitment to humanity, Christians are called to reflect that same steadfast devotion in their love for others.
Love in Action
Serving Others
Jesus taught that loving others means humbly serving their needs (Mark 10:45). This includes acts of kindness, compassion, sacrifice, and generosity. Scripture urges believers to consider others more significant than themselves (Philippians 2:3) by bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Practical ideas include volunteering, giving resources to the poor, or simply being present for someone going through hardship.
Bearing with One Another
An essential aspect of biblical love is patience – bearing with one another even when it’s difficult (Ephesians 4:2). This means not keeping record of wrongs but instead forgiving others just as God has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13).
It also entails showing grace when believers fail or make mistakes, just as Christ has had grace on imperfect followers. As 1 Peter 4:8 declares, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Speaking the Truth
Sometimes showing love requires speaking difficult truths for the good of others, even when it’s uncomfortable. Ephesians 4:15 discusses truth-telling “in love” so relationships can grow. This means balancing honesty and compassion – not concealing problems but also not speaking rashly or cruelly.
Speaking the truth in love promotes growth, whereas false flattery and lies lead to harm (Proverbs 26:28). The goal is to build others up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), not tear them down.
Rejoicing and Weeping Together
Romans 12:15 instructs believers to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Shared experiences form a bond – whether celebrating victories or crying through losses. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 describes the value of having someone to pick you up when you fall.
Empathizing with others’ emotions allows showing care for their wellbeing. And recognizing that all humans face highs and lows tempers pride during ups and isolation during downs. Rejoicing and weeping together reflects Christ-like compassion.
Types of Love
Brotherly Love
Brotherly love refers to the bond between brothers or close male friends. It involves loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice for one another. The Bible encourages brotherly love through verses like “Love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10).
This type of care and compassion helps unite communities in godly fellowship.
Romantic Love
Romantic love in the Bible celebrates the emotional and spiritual connection between a husband and wife. Marriage is considered a sacred gift from God, joining two people as “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). The vast poetry in Song of Songs extols the joys of marital intimacy and romance.
So Scripture affirms the value of romantic love between spouses.
God’s Love
Ultimately, the Bible showcases God’s perfect love. Despite human sin and rejection, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). His unwavering grace and mercy redeem the lost. And his divine love empowers Christians to mirror his kindness.
Believers enjoy fellowship with the Lord as their closest confidant and friend. God’s selfless nature defines true love to the deepest degree.
The Fruits of Love
Joy
Love brings tremendous joy into our lives. When we love others, we receive joy in return. Love allows us to experience the happiness and delight of caring for others. As the Bible says, “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17).
Experiencing love enables us to find joy even in simple things.
Peace
Loving relationships bring peace to our lives. When we love others, we create an atmosphere of understanding and goodwill. Love permits us to resolve conflicts and live in harmony. The Bible teaches that loving each other leads to peace: “Live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
As we grow in love, we become more patient, gentle, and calm—at peace with ourselves and others.
Patience
Love helps us develop patience and longsuffering. Instead of being quick to criticize others’ faults, love moves us to bear with them patiently. The Bible says, “Love suffers long and is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
When we love others, we are willing to give them time to grow and change, rather than demanding perfection. Our patience and consideration for others demonstrate Christ’s love.
Kindness
Loving others motivates us to treat them with kindness and compassion. Love is not rude, boastful or proud (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Instead, it is gentle, sympathetic, and caring. The loving person is a friend to all, looking for opportunities to do good to others.
The Bible teaches that “love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Our kindness and consideration spring from our Christlike love.
Goodness
Love inspires us to righteous living and moral excellence. Instead of doing wrong, love moves us to practice holiness and purity. The Bible says that love “rejoices in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6)—in godliness and uprightness. As we grow in love, we become more like Jesus Christ.
His goodness begins to be reflected in our thoughts, words, and deeds. The fruits of love include moral purity and virtuous behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible speaks of love in varied and multifaceted ways – as sacrifice, commitment, action, affection, and more. Fundamentally, biblical love is outward-focused, centered on willful devotion to God and selfless service toward others.
When lived out, it leads to human flourishing, community, joy, and peace. Through Christ’s love, we can reflect God’s glorious love to a world in need.
