Love is one of the essential things every human needs to succeed. So if you’re hoping to lead a good life, it’s vital to understand the Bible teaching on love.

As we all know, Bible covers every aspect of human life. It is a book that teaches and guides man both physically and spiritually.

In this post, you will find God’s definition of love, the types of love, the importance of love, and the characteristics of love.

What is God’s definition of love in the Bible?

Many people think love means romantic affection between two people, the biblical definition of love encompasses so much more, including concern for others, willingness to forgive and sacrifice, passion for God, and living an abundant life.

Jesus often used the Greek word Agape when Discussing how we should love God and others.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

~ 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a

In 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a, the Bible explains love as follows:

  • “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud”.
  • It does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs.
  • Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
  • It always protects, trusts, hopes, and always perseveres.
  • Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

What are the four types of love in the Bible?

Many types of love exist in today’s world. However, according to the Bible, there are four main types of love. The following are four types of love explained by Jesus Christ.

Eros (sensual or romantic love)

Eros is a Greek word that means romantic or sensual love. It is a Greek word that means romantic or sensual love. It includes enjoyment, affection, enthusiasm, sexual attraction, attachment, care, concern, loyalty, devotion, etc.

The Bible says in ECCLESIASTES 9:9

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”

Storge (Familiar love)

Storage is a Greek word used in the Bible to describe familiar love. This type of love exists between parents to children, brothers to brothers, sisters to sisters, brother to sisters, and so on.

This type of love is important in every family. But, unfortunately, it’s also a sign of the end time when this love disappears in many families.

The Lord said in EXODUS 20:12

“Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

Philia (brotherly love that unites believers)

This is love that exists between believers of religion. Philia love is significant in every religion. Many verses in the Bible preaches this kind of love.

It often entails care, respect, trust, support, and compassion for helping each other.

The Bible says in ROMANS 12:10;

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Also, in 1 PETER 1:22;

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”

Agape (God’s love for humankind)

The most crucial love humans need to excel in life is Agape Love. It’s love from the creator to the creature.

Moses, Abraham, Isaac, and other prophets of God became special because of this love.

During the existence of Jesus Christ on earth, he never ceased to preach about this love.

Many Bible verses support this love, and some of them are as follows;

JOHN 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have a love for one another.”

JOHN 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

JOHN 14:21

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Importance of love in the Bible

Bible teaching on love makes the importance of love clear. Love is part of every human life. There’s no relationship or friendship without love.

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, the Bible says;

“Now I only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

However, according to the Bible, all four types of love are crucial, but Agape is the most important type of love.

Rani Godiwa said;
“Seek the love of God and gain the love of man.”

Well, the paramount importance of love is to live joyfully and Excel in life.

What are the characteristics of love in the Bible?

The characteristics of love in the Bible can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love 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 is patient and kind.

The word “patient” means “long-suffering” or “forbearing.” It refers to the quality of being able to wait for what one desires rather than seeking immediate gratification. It also refers to the ability to endure pain without complaining about it (1 Corinthians 13:4).

The word “kind” means “thoughtful” or “considerate.” It refers to the ability to show favor toward someone else without expecting anything in return.

Love does not envy.

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

~ James 3:14

Envy is defined as a desire for that which belongs to another person (James 3:14). This characteristic of love shows that we do not seek what others have, but rather are happy with what God has given us.

Love is not selfish.

important of these is selflessness. This means that when you love someone, you put that person’s needs ahead of your own. For example, if your husband is hungry and asks for food, it would be loving to give him something to eat even if you’re not hungry yourself.

Love is respectful.

Also important is respect. This means honoring other people’s feelings and opinions no matter what they are; refusing to judge others based on their differences; treating everyone equally regardless of age, race or religion; and allowing each person to live his or her life without interference from anyone else — as long as this doesn’t hurt anyone else in any way whatsoever.

Love is unconditional and sacrificial.

Love is patient and kind; it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love is humble and forgiving.

However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.

~ Romans 4:5 (NIV)

Humility is about lowering our expectations of ourselves and others so that we can see each other as God sees us — as sinners saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Romans 4:5).

Humility leads to forgiveness because pride makes it difficult to admit wrong or apologize for mistakes (Proverbs 12:16).

Forgiveness gives us peace in our relationships with others because we no longer feel burdened by past hurts (Matthew 6:14-15).

Conclusion

The Bible says a lot about love, and believers must understand what the Bible says about love because it can help them live better lives.

Though everyone has their ideas about love, the Bible’s teaching on love provides an incredibly accurate definition and explanation of love.

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