Love is characterized by passion and commitment. It involves caring, protectiveness, sacrifice and trust. It’s the action performed when you’re concerned about the well-being of others.
I see the word "love" being used so loosely these days. The world struggles with defining (or redefining) what love is. The Bible, however, teaches us the truth. 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 talks about love being the motivation of our lives. Verses 4-8 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. 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 but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Love is also a commandment. God COMMANDS us to love. John 13:34-35 says, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” So again, God COMMANDS us to love. He commands us to live out 1 Corinthians 13….to be patient...to be kind...to honor, protect and to never give up on others.
Not only is love the above mentioned…love is a person. 1 John 4:8 teaches us that “God is love.” Love is a part of His character and nature. The Bible is full of the revelation of God’s love.
In Romans 5:8 we’re taught that, "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Even in our sin, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die to provide a way for us to spend eternity with Him (John 3:16). Jesus even noted that He is preparing a place for those who love Him where we will be in His presence forever. (John 14:3)
God also reveals His love by making us a part of His family. "What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are..." 1 John 3:1. We are His children now, not sometime in the future. Now...right here in this moment. That alone should be the motivation to live and love as Jesus did.
Love radiates throughout the entire Bible. Journey with us as we dive deeper into the Truth of what love is and how we can be ambassadors in Sharing the Love of God.