Love Is the Core of God’s Nature and the Center of His Commands
The Bible doesn’t just talk about love—God is love (1 John 4:8). Everything God does flows from His perfect, holy love. His love is not superficial or conditional. It is sacrificial, eternal, and rooted in His desire to redeem, restore, and bless His creation.
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who pursues us in love, rescues us through love, and empowers us to love others.
“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
The Greatest Commandment: Love God and Love Others
When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He summed up the entire law in two commandments:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37–39
Love is not just a feeling—it’s a command. It is the defining characteristic of a true disciple of Jesus.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35
The Different Types of Love in the Bible
The Bible uses several Greek words to describe love, each revealing a different aspect of how love works in human relationships and divine purpose:
- Agape – Unconditional, sacrificial love (used to describe God’s love)
- Philia – Brotherly love, deep friendship
- Storge – Familial love
- Eros – Romantic or sexual love (not directly mentioned by name in Scripture but described in Song of Solomon)
The highest form of love—agape—is the kind God demonstrated in Christ.
“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
What Does Love Look Like?
The clearest biblical definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, often called the “Love Chapter”:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”
Biblical love:
- Acts in humility
- Serves others
- Forgives quickly
- Endures hardship
- Rejoices in truth
Love is not self-seeking or easily angered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. It is a powerful force that mirrors the very heart of God.
Love in Action
Genuine Christian love is not limited to words or emotions—it expresses itself in action:
- Loving enemies (Matthew 5:44)
- Serving others (Galatians 5:13)
- Carrying burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Sacrificing for the good of others (John 15:13)
To love as Christ loves is the highest calling—and it is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.