The concept of love is universally cherished, yet its definition often varies greatly across cultures and individual perspectives. While the world frequently portrays love as fleeting emotion or conditional affection, the Bible offers a profound and transformative understanding of love. This exploration delves into key scriptures to uncover What Is Love According To Scripture, providing a robust and insightful perspective that transcends worldly interpretations.
Love is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, and understanding its biblical meaning is essential for navigating relationships and living a life that reflects God’s character. The following verses, accompanied by insightful commentary, illuminate the multifaceted nature of love as presented in the Bible.
Key Scriptures Unveiling Biblical Love
1 Corinthians 13: The Definition of Love
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. (1 Corinthians 13:4–8, ESV)
Love is patient, love is kind.
This passage from 1 Corinthians is perhaps the most well-known biblical description of love. It meticulously outlines the characteristics of true love, emphasizing actions and attitudes rather than mere feelings. Love, according to this scripture, is characterized by patience and kindness, standing in stark contrast to envy, boasting, arrogance, or rudeness. It is not self-seeking, easily angered, or vengeful. Instead, it rejoices in truth and righteousness, offering unwavering support and loyalty. The phrases “believes all things” and “hopes all things” suggest a love that trusts and seeks the best for others, fostering healthy and resilient relationships. This depiction of love is not passive; it actively “bears,” “believes,” “hopes,” and “endures,” highlighting its strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. The timeless nature of love is underscored by the declaration that “love never ends,” contrasting it with temporary gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge.
Ephesians 5: Sacrificial Love in Marriage
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25–27, ESV)
In Ephesians, the apostle Paul uses the profound analogy of Christ’s love for the church to illustrate the husband’s role in marriage. This scripture defines marital love as a self-sacrificial act, mirroring Christ’s selfless devotion. Husbands are called to love their wives not with domineering control, but with a servant’s heart, prioritizing their wives’ well-being and spiritual growth. This biblical view of love directly opposes any form of oppression or tyranny within marriage. The husband’s responsibility is to cultivate an environment where his wife can flourish and experience fulfillment in her marriage and service to God. The passage emphasizes Christ’s actions to “sanctify” and “cleanse” the church, highlighting the husband’s role in supporting his wife’s holiness, though ultimate sanctification comes from Christ. The “washing of water with the word” can be interpreted as baptism, a symbolic act of spiritual cleansing, or connected to the imagery in Ezekiel of God cleansing and betrothing Israel. The ultimate goal is the presentation of the church, and by extension the wife, in splendor and holiness, reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s love.
Ephesians 4: Love and Unity in Community
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1–3, ESV)
This scripture emphasizes love as the binding force within the Christian community. Paul, writing as “a prisoner for the Lord,” appeals to believers to live out their calling with humility, gentleness, and patience. “Bearing with one another in love” speaks to the practical application of love in everyday interactions within the church. It calls for forbearance and understanding, recognizing that disagreements and imperfections are inevitable in any community. The focus on maintaining “the unity of the Spirit” highlights that love is not merely a human emotion, but a spiritual attribute that fosters harmony and peace. Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles, which often led to suffering and imprisonment, underscores the sacrificial nature of love in service to God and others. The “mystery” revealed to Paul – the unification of Jews and Gentiles in Christ – is a testament to the unifying power of God’s love, breaking down barriers and creating a diverse yet unified body of believers.
Song of Solomon 8: The Intensity of Love
Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised. (Song of Solomon 8:6–7, ESV)
The Song of Solomon, a book rich in poetic imagery, portrays love with intense passion and unwavering devotion. The plea to be set “as a seal upon your heart” and “upon your arm” signifies a desire for intimate and inseparable connection. Love is described as “strong as death,” highlighting its powerful and relentless nature. The “jealousy” mentioned here is not selfish possessiveness, but a fervent devotion and protectiveness, akin to God’s covenantal love for his people and the exclusive commitment within marriage. “The very flame of the LORD” suggests that true love is not merely a human construct, but divinely inspired and empowered. The imagery of “many waters” and “floods” that cannot quench love illustrates its unyielding and indomitable character. The final line emphasizes love’s priceless value, suggesting that material wealth is insignificant compared to the richness and depth of true love.
Proverbs 3: Love and Faithfulness as Principles
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. (Proverbs 3:3–4, ESV)
Proverbs emphasizes the importance of “steadfast love and faithfulness” as guiding principles for life. These qualities are not to be taken lightly or forgotten, but actively embraced and internalized, symbolized by “bind them around your neck” and “write them on the tablet of your heart.” This imagery suggests that steadfast love and faithfulness should be constantly visible and deeply ingrained in one’s character. The connection to God’s self-declaration to Moses in Exodus 34:6, where He is described as “abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,” underscores the divine origin and importance of these virtues. Living in accordance with steadfast love and faithfulness is presented as a pathway to “favor and good success” with both God and humanity, highlighting the holistic benefits of embodying these principles in all aspects of life. This is linked to covenant faithfulness and heeding wise instruction, suggesting a life lived in accordance with God’s ways.
1 John 4: God is Love
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:16–21, ESV)
1 John 4 presents a powerful declaration: “God is love.” This is not merely stating that God is loving, but that love is the very essence of His being. Knowing and believing in God’s love is foundational to Christian faith. “Abiding in love” is equated with abiding in God, signifying a deep and intimate relationship. This scripture connects love to assurance of salvation and confidence in the day of judgment. “Perfect love casts out fear,” indicating that genuine love eliminates the fear of punishment and condemnation. Christian love is not self-generated but a response to God’s initiating love: “We love because he first loved us.” This passage also emphasizes the inseparable link between loving God and loving others. It argues that love for God is evidenced by love for one’s brother (fellow believer), making brotherly love a tangible expression of devotion to God.
1 Peter 4: Love Covers Sins
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
Peter urges believers to “keep loving one another earnestly,” emphasizing the paramount importance of love within the Christian community. The phrase “above all” underscores that love should be the highest priority. The statement “love covers a multitude of sins” highlights the forgiving and restorative power of love. Love, in this context, is not condoning sin, but choosing to overlook offenses, extend grace, and promote reconciliation. This echoes Proverbs 10:12, which similarly states that “love covers all offenses.” Earnest love fosters an environment where forgiveness is readily available, and minor transgressions are not allowed to disrupt community harmony. Hospitality, a practical expression of love, is mentioned in the broader context of this passage, highlighting the tangible ways love manifests in welcoming and caring for others.
Colossians 3: Love Binds All Virtues
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:12–14, ESV)
Colossians calls believers to embody a lifestyle consistent with their identity as “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.” This includes cultivating virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Forgiveness is also highlighted as essential within the Christian community, mirroring God’s forgiveness in Christ. “Above all these put on love” elevates love as the ultimate virtue, the one that unifies and perfects all others. Love “binds everything together in perfect harmony,” suggesting that it is the cohesive force that brings unity and completeness to the Christian life and community. While tolerance is important, the passage emphasizes forgiveness and love as the primary responses to conflict and betrayal within the body of Christ, promoting unity over division.
Romans 13: Love Fulfills the Law
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8, ESV)
Romans 13 emphasizes the Christian’s responsibility to fulfill their obligations, including financial debts and civic duties. However, it singles out the “debt” of love as an ongoing and unending obligation: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.” This highlights that love is not a one-time act but a continuous commitment. The statement “the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” indicates that love is the essence and fulfillment of God’s law. Rather than being a burdensome set of rules, the law is ultimately summarized and fulfilled in love for neighbor. Love, therefore, is not merely an emotion but a principle of action that guides believers in their relationships and interactions with others, fulfilling the spirit of the law.
Hebrews 10: Love in Christian Community
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV)
Hebrews 10 emphasizes the importance of community and mutual encouragement among Christians. Believers are called to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” highlighting the active role they play in fostering love and service within the community. This “stirring up” involves intentionality and effort to motivate and inspire fellow believers towards love and good deeds. “Not neglecting to meet together” underscores the necessity of Christian fellowship for mutual encouragement and spiritual growth. The encouragement is especially crucial as “the Day” (Christ’s return) approaches, emphasizing the urgency and importance of community support and accountability in the Christian journey. Exhortation and encouragement are presented as practical ways to strengthen faith and promote perseverance within the community.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Biblical Love
Exploring these scriptures reveals that what is love according to scripture is far more profound and demanding than worldly definitions. Biblical love is not a fleeting feeling, but a steadfast commitment characterized by patience, kindness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and rooted in the very nature of God. It is a love that binds communities, transforms marriages, and fulfills the essence of God’s law. Understanding and embodying this scriptural definition of love is crucial for Christians seeking to live lives that are pleasing to God and impactful in the world. By studying these verses and reflecting on their meaning, we can grow in our understanding and practice of true, biblical love.
