What is Love? A Biblical Interpretation and Definition

Introduction: What is the Biblical Understanding of Love?

Love is a word we hear all around us—in beautiful songs, heartfelt poems, and our everyday chats.¹ And Although the world tries to define it in many ways, from books to science, as believers, we have the most wonderful and solid understanding right from the Bible. You see, in God’s Word, love isn’t just a quick feeling or a romantic idea; it’s the very essence of God’s amazing character and how He connects with every one of us.³ The Bible consistently shows us that love is about choosing to put others being committed to their well-being and wanting the absolute best for them.³

This incredible biblical love is who God is—the Apostle John even tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:16, as cited in 3)! It’s also the powerful, selfless force behind all His life-giving actions towards us. Christian teaching shines a light on this selfless devotion, seeing it as a vital energy that should flow into every part of our society. It’s meant to be a strong foundation for good morals, guiding how we act, and shaping cultures that help communities thrive.¹

Understanding love this way—as a core part of who God is and a guiding light for our lives—ties together so many important Christian beliefs. It’s not just one teaching; it’s the beautiful thread connecting God’s nature, His loving commands, the incredible story of salvation, and how we, as believers, are called to live together in faith.¹ The Bible shows that growing in this virtue of love is a top priority for those who follow Jesus, even more important than amazing spiritual gifts.⁴ Because love is so central to how God interacts with the world and what He desires for us, exploring biblical love gives us a special and vital way to understand this powerful and wonderful human experience.

What Are the Different Kinds of Love in the Bible?

We use the word “love” for so many things, from loving our favorite dessert to the deep connection between a husband and wife. But the ancient Greek language, which the New Testament was written in, had several different words for love. This helps us see even more clearly how the Bible talks about this amazing concept. Christian teachers often talk about four main Greek words to help us understand the different sides of love: Agape, Phileo, Storge, and Eros.¹ When we understand these, we can really appreciate the rich and varied ways love is shown in Scripture.

Agape Love (Greek: Ἀγάπη)

Agape is often called the highest and deepest form of love in the Bible.⁶ It’s a love that’s unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. It’s about intentionally wanting the very best for others, even if it costs you a lot.⁶ This is the kind of love God shows us, like in that famous verse, John 3:16: “For God so loved (agape) the world that he gave his one and only Son…”.⁶ And Christ’s love for the leading Him to give Himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25), is another powerful picture of agape.¹ As believers, we’re called to live out this kind of love with God and with each other. And get this: agape is seen as the foundation that makes all other kinds of love strong and possible! 6

Phileo Love (Greek: Φιλέω)

Phileo is that warm affection, the wonderful friendship and camaraderie we share with people who have similar interests, experiences, and values.⁶ It’s often called “brotherly love” and is all about mutual trust and enjoying being together. Phileo is a love that often comes from finding joy or delight in someone else and it usually thrives when that affection is returned.¹⁰ Think of the deep friendship between David and Jonathan 5 or the affection Jesus had for His good friend Lazarus.⁵ The Bible even says God the Father has phileo love for His Son, Jesus (John 5:20).⁵

Storge Love (Greek: Στοργή)

Storge is that natural affection, loyalty, and care that we usually see in a family.⁵ It’s the love between parents and children, or between brothers and sisters, built on family ties, knowing each other well, and sharing life together. Although the specific Greek word storge isn’t used a lot on its own in the New Testament, the idea of family love is everywhere. For example, in Romans 12:10, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” He used a special Greek word, philostorgos, which mixes phileo (friendship love) with the feeling of storge (family affection), urging believers to treat each other with the warmth and loyalty of a loving family.⁵ The emotional reunion of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:4) and the amazing loyalty Ruth showed to her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 1:16) also show us what storge-like love looks like.⁶

Eros Love (Greek: Ἔρως)

Eros is about romantic, passionate, or intimate love, often including physical desire and attraction, usually between a husband and wife.¹ It’s interesting that the specific Greek word “eros” isn’t actually in the New Testament.¹⁰ Some scholars think this might have been on purpose, so the biblical writers could clearly separate the Christian idea of romantic love from some of the worldly cultural ideas about eros back then, which could sometimes be selfish or unholy.¹⁰

But don’t misunderstand, the idea of romantic and sexual love within marriage is definitely in the Bible and celebrated as a wonderful gift from God.⁶ The Song of Solomon is a beautiful book of poetry that celebrates the passionate love between a bride and groom.⁶ Proverbs 5:18-19 encourages a husband to rejoice in his wife and be captivated by her love. And Genesis 2:24 lays the foundation for marriage, where a man and woman become “one flesh,” which means deep intimacy.⁶ When it’s expressed with faithfulness and mutual respect within marriage, eros love can make the bond between partners even stronger.¹³

The Interrelation of Loves and the Importance of Agape

These different kinds of love aren’t always separate; they often work together and make each other richer. For example, a strong marriage can have the passion of eros, the comfort of storge (as the couple becomes like family), and the companionship of phileo.¹

But the Bible always lifts up Agape love. It’s shown as the divine ideal that should shape and perfect all other kinds of human love.⁶ Even in relationships that are naturally about family ties (storge), friendship (phileo), or romance (eros), the Scriptures suggest that God calls for these to be filled with the selfless, unconditional quality of Agape.⁵ This shows us that Agape is the ultimate foundation and goal for all loving relationships.

Here’s a quick look at the distinct characteristics of these four types of love:

Type of Love	Greek Word (Conceptual)	Core Meaning	Key Biblical Idea/Example
Agape	Ἀγάπη	Unconditional, selfless, sacrificial love	God’s love for the world (John 3:16) 6; Christ’s love for the Church (Eph. 5:25) 1
Phileo	Φιλέω	Brotherly love, friendship, mutual affection	David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1) 5; Jesus and Lazarus (John 11:3) 5
Storge	Στοργή	Familial love, natural affection, loyalty	Love for family members (e.g., Romans 12:10 \- philostorgos) 5
Eros	(Concept, not word)	Romantic, passionate love (within marriage)	Song of Solomon 6; Proverbs 5:18-19 6

How Did God Show His Love in the Old Testament?

Sometimes people get the mistaken idea that the God of the Old Testament is all about wrath, Although the God of the New Testament is all about love. But let me tell you, the Old Testament is overflowing with descriptions and demonstrations of God’s deep and lasting love for His people, and through them, for all of us! This love is often described with the Hebrew word chesed, which means steadfast love, mercy, loving-kindness, and faithfulness to His promises.³

One of the most powerful declarations of God’s loving heart is in Exodus 34:6-7. After the people messed up with the golden calf, Moses asked to see God’s glory. And God passed before him, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…”.¹⁵ This amazing self-revelation became a cornerstone for Israel’s understanding of who God is.

This loving nature shines throughout the Old Testament. For example:

• Nehemiah 9:17 praises God because even when the Israelites were disobedient, He is “a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them”.¹⁴ Sometimes, even God’s corrections can be seen as His love, meant to guide and perfect His people, not abandon them.¹⁴
• Isaiah 43:1-3 beautifully shows God’s personal and redeeming love: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior”.¹⁴ This speaks of a deep, protective, and intimate care.
• Isaiah 54:10 emphasizes the unbreakable nature of God’s love: “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed my steadfast love shall not depart from you…’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you”.¹⁴ What a comforting promise, especially in tough times!
• Even Jeremiah 17:9-10, which talks about the human heart, can be seen through God’s love. The fact that God “searches the heart” isn’t harsh; it’s an act of love, showing His desire to truly know His people and lead them into a deeper relationship, helping them understand their own hearts.¹⁴
• The whole story of Hosea and Gomer in Hosea 3 is a powerful picture of God’s love. God told Hosea to take back his unfaithful wife, Gomer, and love her again. This was a living example of God’s own faithful, pursuing love for Israel, who had been unfaithful to Him.¹⁷ This story powerfully shows God’s relentless love that wants to redeem and restore, even after repeated betrayal.

God’s love in the Old Testament is also clearly seen in His incredible patience with Israel. Throughout their history—from complaining in the wilderness, to disobeying during the time of the Judges, to going astray under many kings—Israel constantly tested God’s patience.¹⁶ Yet, God kept sending prophets to warn them, call them to turn back, and offer them chances for restoration.¹⁹ This long-suffering was a clear sign of His love, meant to lead them back to Him.¹⁶

It’s important to understand that this divine love in the Old Testament works alongside God’s holiness and justice. While God is “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love,” that same passage in Exodus 34:7 also says He “will by no means clear the guilty”.¹⁵ His patience is huge it doesn’t mean there are no consequences for ongoing, unrepentant sin.¹⁶ This creates a dynamic where God’s deep mercy and His righteous judgment go hand-in-hand. This very tension shows the depth of His love, which often expresses itself as long-suffering and repeated calls to repent before judgment, rather than ignoring sin.

Much of God’s love for Israel in the Old Testament is shown through His covenant relationship with them.¹⁴ This covenant, starting with Abraham and continuing through Moses and David, created a special bond. God’s love, therefore, wasn’t random; it was tied to His promises, His unwavering faithfulness to His word, and the (often unmet by Israel) responsibilities of that sacred agreement. This covenant framework gave structure and assurance to God’s love, showing it as a reliable, promise-keeping commitment.

How Is God’s Love Most Clearly Revealed in the New Testament?

Although the Old Testament lays an amazing foundation for understanding God’s love, the New Testament declares that this love has been shown in its most clear, complete, and ultimate way through the person and work of Jesus Christ!3 The sending of God’s own Son into the world is presented as the greatest demonstration of His love for every one of us.

Several key passages tell us this truth:

• Perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says it all: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.⁸ This verse beautifully shows God’s love in action—a love that reaches everyone and is sacrificial in its very nature.
• Romans 5:8 highlights the amazing, undeserved, and proactive nature of God’s love: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: Although we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.⁶ This emphasizes that God’s love wasn’t a response to our goodness an incredible initiative He took towards us in our brokenness.
• 1 John 4:9-10 further clarifies where this love comes from and why: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins”.²⁰ This passage underscores that true love starts with God and is shown in His provision for us to be reconciled and have new life through Jesus.

The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross is consistently presented as the absolute peak of God’s love.³ Jesus laying down His life is seen as the greatest act of love, making salvation possible for all who believe.¹⁴ This act isn’t a contradiction of the love we see in the Old Testament its ultimate fulfillment. The themes of sacrifice, redemption, and covenant faithfulness from the Old Testament find their most powerful completion in Jesus. For instance, the Old Testament sacrifices pointed towards this greater, final sacrifice. The Bible shows that giving one’s life for another is the ultimate form of love, and this is most clearly seen in Jesus.³

This powerful love revealed in Christ isn’t just a historical event; it has ongoing, amazing implications for believers today. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 that “Christ’s love compels us… And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again”.²⁰ This love is a transforming force, motivating believers to a brand-new way of life centered on Christ.

God’s love shown in Jesus is the very foundation for our ability to love. As 1 John 4:19 states, “We love because he first loved us”.²⁰ Our capacity to love God, ourselves, and others comes from first receiving and experiencing His initiating love.

The love revealed in the New Testament isn’t just about forgiving past sins; it’s about radical transformation and making believers a “new creation”!20 This divine love aims for a complete renewal of who we are, restoring relationships and bringing new life.²⁰ It is a love that sustains and transforms 21, starting a process of making all things new, beginning with our hearts. It’s not just a pardon; it’s a pathway to an entirely different kind of existence, lived in a wonderful relationship with God.

What Are the Greatest Commandments About Love in the Bible?

The Bible places incredible importance on love, not just as something God is as a core command for us. Jesus Himself summed up all of God’s moral instructions by highlighting two fundamental commandments centered on love.

When an expert in the law asked Him which commandment was the greatest, Jesus replied (as recorded in Matthew 22:37-40):

• “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” 8
• “And a second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 8 Then Jesus added something crucial about their importance: “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments”.²³ This means that these two expressions of love—loving God and loving your neighbor—aren’t just important rules; they are the foundational principles for all of God’s other instructions.⁴ They capture the very heart of what it means to live a life that pleases God.

Building on this, Jesus gave His disciples what He called a “new commandment” just before His crucifixion. As recorded in 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 all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 6

The “newness” of this command is so powerful. The idea of loving your neighbor was already there in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18, “love your neighbor as yourself”).²⁴ What made Jesus’ command “new” was the standard and model for this love: “As I have loved you.” This points directly to Christ’s own unique, sacrificial, self-giving Agape love—the love He was about to fully demonstrate on the cross—as the pattern for how His followers are to love each other. This kind of love, then, becomes the defining characteristic, the identifying mark, of a true disciple of Jesus. It also implies a new empowerment, through Christ and His Spirit, to live out such a radical and demanding love.

The New Testament consistently emphasizes that love is absolutely essential. For example, 1 John 4:20 states clearly, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen”.²² This powerfully shows the inseparable connection between loving God and loving other people. One cannot genuinely exist without the other. Love is presented as the most vital element in our relationship with God and with one another.²²

The statement that “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” 23 suggests that love is the key to understanding all of God’s laws. It implies that love isn’t just another rule but the fundamental spirit and purpose behind all divine instruction. If questions come up about how to apply a specific biblical teaching, the overarching principles of loving God and loving your neighbor should guide our understanding and actions. This perspective shifts the focus from a potentially rigid, rule-following approach towards a relational, compassionate, and love-driven obedience.

What Makes Agape Love So Special in Christianity?

Among the different ways love is described in the Bible, Agape love holds a truly special and central place in Christian understanding. Its uniqueness comes from its divine origin, its unconditional nature, and its incredible power to transform.

Agape is, the kind of love that God Himself shows. It’s described as a pure, willful, and sacrificial love that intentionally desires the very best for another person, without expecting anything in return.⁶ This makes Agape different from other kinds of love that might be based on attraction, shared interests, or family ties; Agape is rooted in the very character and will of God.

The unconditional and sacrificial part of Agape is so important. It’s a love that is given freely, not depending on whether the person receiving it is worthy or lovable.¹ The ultimate example of this is God’s love for us, shown “Although we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8) 6—a love given even when humanity was rebelling against Him. Agape seeks the well-being of others, even at great personal cost to the one loving.

Because of these qualities, Agape is often seen as the highest and greatest form of Christian love.⁶ It’s considered the bedrock that supports and enables believers to love in all other ways.⁶ It’s not just a passive feeling but an active choice and a committed way of acting that shows empathy, extends goodwill, and is meant for everyone, even our enemies.⁷ Christians are called to live out this Agape love in their relationship with God and in their interactions with all people.⁶ This makes Agape central to Christian ethics and fulfilling the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor.⁴

The selfless and unconditional nature of Agape is profoundly counter-cultural. In a world that often puts self-interest, personal gain, or conditional love Agape stands in beautiful contrast.²⁴ Practicing Agape means not always getting your own way and sometimes being required to act solely in the best interest of another, even when it’s hard.²⁴ The call to love your enemies (Matthew 5:43-44, as cited in 8) is perhaps the most radical expression of this counter-cultural love. Therefore, Agape is special not just because it’s an ideal because practicing it actively challenges and seeks to transform our default human ways of relating, pushing us towards a divine standard of self-giving.

While other loves like Phileo (friendship) and Eros (romantic love) help us connect, Agape is what enables the deepest, most resilient forms of intimacy and unity, both with God and with others. It’s described as “the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:14) that binds all other virtues together in perfect harmony.²⁰ Other loves, if based only on emotion or shared circumstances, can sometimes fade or be conditional.¹ Agape, being unconditional and sacrificial, provides the enduring foundation that can sustain relationships through difficulties and trials, fostering a more powerful and lasting unity than loves based on feeling alone. It is this divine, steadfast quality that makes Agape so central and special in the Christian faith.

How Did Jesus Show Us What Love Looks Like Through His Life and Stories?

Jesus Christ is the ultimate picture of God’s love. His entire life, His ministry, His teachings, His death, and His resurrection are a living demonstration of what true, biblical love looks like in action.³ He didn’t just talk about love; He actively loved everyone He met, often without favoritism, breaking down social and religious barriers along the way.³

Several specific actions of Jesus vividly show this love:

• Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17): On the night before He was crucified, Jesus did the job of a lowly servant by washing His disciples’ feet. This was a powerful act of humility, service, and love, meant to set an example for them.²⁷ John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus, “having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love” (John 13:1).²⁸ This act was culturally shocking, as foot-washing was for the least important person. It symbolized not only spiritual cleansing but also the call for His followers to humbly serve one another.²⁷ This act showed that Christ-like love isn’t proud but is willing to do even humble tasks for others, linking love directly with humility.²⁷
• Eating with Sinners and Tax Collectors (Matthew 9:9-13; Luke 15:1-2; Luke 19:1-10): Jesus regularly spent time with those who were considered outcasts by the religious society of His day, like tax collectors (seen as traitors) and “sinners” (those who didn’t follow strict religious laws).²⁹ In that culture, sharing a meal with someone—called table fellowship—meant acceptance and friendship.²⁹ The religious leaders criticized Jesus for this.²⁹ But Jesus used these times to show God’s mercy, His mission to seek and save the lost, and the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.³¹ His intention was to reach people: to call them to turn from their ways and offer them salvation.³¹ These actions radically changed common ideas about purity and access to God. Although the Pharisees often thought purity meant separating from “sinners,” Jesus showed that true holiness engages with and seeks to redeem the broken, and that God’s kingdom is open to all who repent, no matter their past or social standing.³¹

Jesus also taught so much about love through His parables:

• The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): This story is a powerful illustration of God’s unconditional, compassionate, and forgiving love.⁶ The father in the parable, who joyfully welcomes back his rebellious son with open arms and a big celebration, represents God’s overwhelming joy when a sinner repents and returns to Him. The parable also gently critiques the self-righteous attitude of the older brother, teaching us that we should rejoice when others are restored rather than being resentful.³³
• The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): This parable shows practical, active agape love.⁴ A Samaritan man—an enemy to the Jews of Jesus’ day—stops to help a wounded Jewish man who had been ignored by his own religious leaders. The Samaritan shows compassion, tends to his wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. This story dramatically expands the definition of “neighbor” to include anyone in need, regardless of social, ethnic, or religious differences, and shows love as compassionate action that crosses boundaries.

The most powerful demonstration of Jesus’ love was His sacrificial death on the cross. He willingly laid down His life for humanity, which the Bible presents as the supreme act of love (1 John 3:16, as cited in 3). This selfless sacrifice is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the ultimate expression of God’s love for the world.

What Did the Early Church Fathers Teach About Christian Love?

The foundational teachings on love found in the Scriptures were further explored and emphasized by the early Church Fathers—those influential theologians and writers in the centuries after the apostles. They consistently highlighted how central love is to Christian life, belief, and practice, building on what the Bible teaches. Among these, figures like Saint Augustine, Saint John Chrysostom, and Saint Thomas Aquinas offered insights that still bless us today.

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

Augustine’s thoughts on love were incredibly deep and influential.

• He famously talked about the biblical statement “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and even suggested that “love is God”.³⁵ For Augustine, love isn’t just something God does; it’s who He is. So, to “love properly” (which he called ordo amoris, or rightly ordered love) is to be in line with God Himself.³⁵
• Augustine defined sin as “misdirected love”.³⁵ This means loving created things, or even ourselves, more than God, or acting against the command of love. Such misdirected love leads to a self-centered life, which he called “lustful idolatry,” cutting us off from true connection with God and others.³⁵
• He championed the idea of “incarnational love”—a love that is lived out in real relationships and actions. True love means recognizing God in other people and in all He has created. He wrote, “Love your brother… For you love the brother whom you see, you will see God at the same time, because you will see love itself, and God dwells within it”.³⁵
• Augustine gave us a powerful and concise guide: “Love, and do what you will”.³⁶ His point was that if genuine love (rooted in God) is the true motivation behind what we do, then those actions will naturally be good. This love isn’t weak or passive; it should be fervent and willing to correct and discipline when needed, for the ultimate good of the other person.³⁶

Saint John Chrysostom (c. 347-407 AD)

Known as the “Golden-Mouthed” for his powerful preaching, John Chrysostom also emphasized love’s supreme importance.

• Like Augustine, he taught that Agape (Love) is God, and that it’s only through love that we can truly come to know God. For Chrysostom, love, in its quality, is a likeness of God that humans can achieve.³⁷
• He stressed that love is a practical action and the greatest of virtues, including all others and forming the foundation of all goodness.³⁷ He lived this out through his own acts of charity.
• Chrysostom highlighted the Christian duty to love neighbors and even enemies. A believer, he taught, continues to love their neighbor even if that neighbor shows hatred or abuse, thereby imitating Christ who forgave His enemies on the cross.³⁷
• He connected love directly to salvation, stating, “In Christianity our salvation come through the salvation of the other and this means love” 37, underscoring the communal and relational aspect of God’s saving work.

Saint Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225-1274 AD)

In his systematic theology, Thomas Aquinas treated love, particularly what he called charity (Latin: caritas), as a supreme virtue.

• Aquinas defined charity as “the friendship of man for God,” which “unites us to God.” He considered it “the most excellent of the virtues”.²⁶
• This charity, he explained, extends not only to loving God but also to loving our neighbor, loved for God’s sake.²⁶
• He believed that charity is an absolute requirement for achieving our ultimate goal, which is happiness (or blessed communion with God).³⁹
• Charity is a divinely infused theological virtue, meaning it’s a gift from God poured into our souls, and it resides in our will, not just in our emotions. It purifies and elevates human love to the perfection of God’s love.²⁶

A major theme from Fathers like Augustine and Chrysostom is that love is a way to diagnose true faith. For them, the presence of active, selfless love—especially towards fellow Christians and even enemies—was a key sign of genuine belief, setting it apart from just saying the right words or divisive, incorrect teachings.³⁵ Deeds of love, in their view, spoke louder than words or even correct beliefs alone.

The emphasis by Aquinas on charity as a virtue in the “will” 26, and Augustine’s idea of ordo amoris or “properly ordered love” 35, show that Christian love isn’t just a spontaneous feeling. It involves reason, conscious choice, God’s grace, and is a “habit” to be developed. This presents a sophisticated understanding of love as a deliberate, God-assisted direction of our entire being towards God and others, requiring ongoing growth and right understanding, lifting it far beyond mere sentiment.

What Does 1 Corinthians 13 Teach Us About How to Love?

The thirteenth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is perhaps the most famous and beloved passage in the Bible about love. It’s often read at weddings and quoted for inspiration its original purpose was deeply pastoral, addressing specific issues in the early Christian community in Corinth. This chapter gives us a powerful description of what true, Christ-like love (Agape) looks like in action and explains why it is so incredibly important.

The Supremacy of Love

Paul begins by establishing that love is absolutely necessary and superior to all other spiritual gifts and impressive actions. He argues that even the most extraordinary abilities—like speaking in tongues of men or angels, having prophetic powers, understanding all mysteries and knowledge, or having faith that can move mountains—are worthless without love.³ Even acts of extreme generosity, like giving everything to the poor, or extreme sacrifice, like giving one’s body to be burned, mean nothing if not motivated by love.²⁰ Without love, one is just “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” 21—noisy but empty. This establishes love not just as a desirable quality but as the essential foundation for a meaningful Christian life and ministry.

The Characteristics of Love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Paul then gives a detailed description of love’s character, not by defining it abstractly by showing what it does and doesn’t do:

• What Love IS (Positive Attributes): “Love is patient, love is kind”.³ These two qualities set the tone, emphasizing gentle endurance and active goodwill.
• What Love IS NOT (Negative Attributes): Love “does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil…”.³ This list directly counters many common human failings, especially those related to pride, selfishness, and resentment.
• What Love DOES (Active Attributes): Love “…rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”.³ These phrases depict love as resilient, faithful, and enduring in the face of challenges.

Love as a Way of Life and its Endurance

This description portrays love as more than an emotion; it is a way of life, a set of actions and attitudes lived in imitation of Jesus Christ, consistently focused on the good of others rather than oneself.²⁵ It is inherently countercultural, challenging the self-centeredness so common in society.²⁵ A key aspect of this love is its capacity to forgive, as it “keeps no record of wrongs,” mirroring the forgiveness offered by Christ.²⁵

Finally, Paul emphasizes the enduring nature of love: “Love never fails”.²⁰ While prophecies will cease, tongues will be stilled, and knowledge will pass away, love remains. In the end, Paul concludes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).²⁰

It’s so important to understand that 1 Corinthians 13 wasn’t written in a vacuum. It is “anchored in its literary context” 25, directly addressing the problems of division, pride, and the misuse of spiritual gifts that were troubling the Corinthian church. The church members were valuing certain spectacular gifts (like speaking in tongues) over others, leading to arrogance and disorder. Paul introduces love as the “more excellent way” 25—the true measure of spiritual maturity and the only basis for healthy community life. The chapter builds on an earlier theme in the letter: “Knowledge puffs up love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).⁴⁰ So, the beautiful description of love in this chapter serves as a practical solution to church disunity, offering a path towards building each other up rather than puffing oneself up.

While love is a gift from God, this chapter also implies that it is a virtue to be cultivated by believers.⁴⁰ The detailed list of love’s actions and attitudes suggests a process of intentional practice and spiritual growth, with Christ as the ultimate example.²⁵ It is not just a passive ideal but an active pursuit, as believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, strive to live out these characteristics in their daily lives.

How Can We Live Out God’s Love Every Day?

Understanding the biblical idea of love is one thing; living it out in our daily interactions is the wonderful, ongoing journey of a Christian. The Scriptures give us so much guidance on how to turn the high calling of love into practical, everyday actions. The core principle is to imitate Christ, who is our ultimate example of love in action. As Ephesians 5:1-2 encourages us, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us…”.²⁰

Fulfilling those two greatest commandments—loving God with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourselves—forms the very bedrock of a love-filled life.²² This translates into so many tangible expressions:

Embodying the Characteristics of 1 Corinthians 13:

The description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is like a practical checklist for our daily lives:

• Be patient and kind: Choose patience when your spouse forgets something or when you face irritating situations.²³
• Forgive those who wrong you: Let go of grudges and forgive as the Lord forgave you (Matthew 6:14-15; Colossians 3:13).²³ This means not keeping a mental list of past hurts.²⁵
• Avoid envy, boasting, pride, and rudeness: Focus on humility and honoring others.²³
• Be not self-seeking or easily angered: Strive to consider others’ needs and perspectives.²³

Specific Actions of Love:

The Bible encourages many specific actions that show love:

• Serve those in need: This can be anything from helping with practical tasks to offering major support (Matthew 25:35-40).²³
• Show compassion, humility, and gentleness: Clothe yourselves with these wonderful virtues (Colossians 3:12-14).²⁰
• Bear one another’s burdens: Offer support and help to those who are struggling (Galatians 6:2).²³
• Encourage and build up others: Use your words to uplift and strengthen those around you (1 Thessalonians 5:11).²³
• Practice hospitality: Open your home and your life to others (Romans 12:13).²³
• Speak truth in love: Communicate honestly but with care and concern for the other person’s well-being (Ephesians 4:15).²⁰
• Treat others as you want to be treated: This “Golden Rule” is a fundamental guide for loving actions (Luke 6:31).²³
• Pray for others, including your enemies: Prayer is a powerful act of love and intercession (Matthew 5:44).²³
• Sacrifice: Willingly put another’s needs ahead of your own, whether in small or big ways, always with humility.⁴²
• Show grace: Extend forgiveness and understanding, just like the grace Jesus gave us.⁴²
• Give of your time, talent, and treasure: Recognize that everything we have is from God and use these resources to serve Him and others.⁴²
• Listen actively, offer help with chores, give sincere compliments, spend quality time, write thoughtful notes, remember important dates, and express gratitude.²³ These everyday acts can make a huge difference.

A crucial part of living out God’s love is sharing the Gospel.²³ Although It can be challenging, helping others come to know the source of all love, Jesus Christ, is one of the most powerful ways to show Christ-like love. Practical acts of love often build trust and openness for the message of salvation, showing that love isn’t just a set of nice actions but is essential to the Christian mission of making disciples.²³

It’s important to remember that this kind of love isn’t just a feeling; it is a practice and a set of actions.²² And living this way requires relying on Christ to love through us.⁴¹ It is by staying close to Him and drawing strength from His Spirit that we can consistently express His love to the world.

The daily practice of biblical love—with its emphasis on patience, forgiveness, humility, and seeing others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5 41)—is a deeply transformative process. It can be described as an “un-selfing” of our souls.⁴¹ This means it actively works against our natural, selfish tendencies. As we intentionally choose to love in these biblical ways, our focus shifts from ourselves to others, and in doing so, we are changed more into the likeness of Christ. This isn’t just about benefiting those around us; it’s a key part of our own spiritual growth and becoming more like Him.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of God’s Love

throughout the incredible pages of Scripture, from the ancient promises of the Old Testament to the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus in the New, a consistent and powerful message shines through: love is at the very heart of God’s nature and His amazing purposes for us. It’s not just a feeling but a dynamic, active, and sacrificial force that defines God’s relationship with us and gives us the ultimate pattern for how we are to relate to Him and to one another.

We’ve seen that God’s love has many facets, expressed through the unconditional, selfless commitment of agape, the warm affection of phileo, the natural bonds of storge, and the intimate connection of eros in its God-given place. This love was shown through God’s steadfast faithfulness to Israel, His patience even when they rebelled, and supremely in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, whose life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of divine love.

The call to love God with our entire being and to love our neighbors as ourselves, crowned by Jesus’ new commandment to love one another as He has loved us, forms the cornerstone of Christian living. The early Church Fathers passionately affirmed this centrality of love, and the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, beautifully described its characteristics and its enduring supremacy over all other gifts and virtues. , “love never fails”!20

Living out this biblical love is the daily calling and privilege of every believer. It involves imitating Christ, actively practicing patience, kindness, forgiveness, and service, and relying on God’s grace and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This love isn’t always easy, as it often calls us to go against our self-centered ways and to extend ourselves for the good of others, even our enemies.

Yet, as we pursue a life characterized by this divine love, we find true fulfillment and get to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. For it is this love that “redeems, restores, forgives, and births new life and new relationships”.²⁰ It is the “bond of perfection” that unites all virtues and reflects the very essence of the God who first loved us.²⁰ As Christians seek to understand and live out this powerful biblical love, they not only draw closer to God but also become beacons of His light and compassion in a world that deeply needs His enduring, transformative love.