Let’s Talk About Love
Do you love?
Do you love well?
The Bible instructs us to LOVE:
God (Mt 22:37),
one another (1 Pet 4:8),
our neighbors (Rm 13:9),
our enemies (Lk 6:27),
our husbands (Tit 2:4), and
our wives (Eph 5:25,33).
We are commanded NOT to love
recognition (Lk 11:43),
money (Heb 13:5), or the
world (1 Jn 2:15).
So what IS love?
The dictionary defines love as tenderness, affection, passion, warm feelings, etc.
There are 20-30 definitions, depending upon the dictionary.
The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:8 and 16 that “God is love” — HE is the definition of love. We also see in Galatians 5:22 that love is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God—a fruit that we can bear when we abide in Christ.
The Bible further defines what love is, where it comes from, and what it is not:
Love is kind. (1 Col 13:4)
Love is not rude. (1 Col 13:5)
Love comes from a pure heart. (1 Tim 1:5)
Love does not boast and is not proud. (1 Col 13:4)
Love is humble. (Eph 4:2)
Love builds up, edifies, and encourages. (1 Col 8:1)
Love is gentle. (Eph 4:2)
Love is not self-seeking. (1 Col 13:5)
Love is sincere. (Rom 12:9)
Love does not envy. (1 Col 13:4)
Love binds us together in perfect unity. (Col 3:14)
Love trusts. (1 Col 13:7)
Love is not easily provoked or angered. (1 Col 13:5)
Love comes from a good conscience. (1 Tim 1:5)
Love is patient. (1 Col 13:4)
Love keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Col 13:5)
Love hopes. (1 Col 13:7)
Love is better than life. (Ps 63:3)
Love comes from a sincere faith. (1 Tim 1:5)
Love protects. (1 Col 13:7)
Love perseveres. (1 Col 13:7)
Love never fails. (1 Col 13:8)
“There is no fear in love.” (1 Jn 4:18)
God’s love is made complete in Jesus Christ. (1 Jn 2:5)
“This is love: …that He [God the Father]…sent His Son [Jesus] as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 Jn 4:10)
Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. …This is my command: Love each other.” (Jn 15:9,17)
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19)
“Live a life of love.” (Eph 5:2)
“This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more.” (Phil 1:9)
Love well.
