Defining love has always been an elusive task for the natural man. Why? Because the concept of love, in its purest form, is foreign to the unspiritual mind. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV),
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
To grasp love as God defines it, we need a spiritual perspective that transcends mere human understanding.
Everyone has their own "definition" of love, but many definitions miss the mark. It’s like comparing a goat to a dog just because they both have four legs—defining them by a single attribute overlooks their true nature. Similarly, our human definitions of love often fail to capture its full essence.
Understanding Love
To accurately define love, we must first understand its nature, not just its attributes. This means starting with what love is before focusing on what it does. For instance, while acts of care and compassion are associated with love, they don’t always embody it. Some caregivers perform their duties for financial gain rather than out of love. Thus, understanding love requires delving into its core nature rather than just its actions.
1 John 4:16 (NIV) offers clarity:
“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love. Whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them.”
Love, in its truest sense, reflects God’s nature. To understand love, we must look at how God has interacted with creation throughout history. God’s love is seen not only in pleasant and comfortable circumstances but also in challenging and even painful experiences. Thus, love encompasses a broader spectrum of actions and intentions.
Defining Love
Love is defined by God’s nature, which includes both unearned kindness and impartial justice. It involves the “why” and “for what” rather than just the visible deeds. For example, in Revelation 3:19 (ESV), Jesus says,
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”
This illustrates that love sometimes involves correction and discipline, not just affirmation.
Why Should We Love?
A) Because God Loved First
God’s love is our model. In John 15:13 (NIV), Jesus states,
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was driven by an immense love for humanity, not for fame or show. He endured suffering because of His love for us.
John 3:16 (NIV) emphasizes this:
“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.” The word “SO” denotes the depth of God’s love—He gave His very best for our salvation.
The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-34) further illustrates this point. After receiving immense forgiveness, the servant failed to extend the same grace to others. This teaches us that acknowledging God’s immense love should naturally lead us to love others similarly.
B) Love is the Only Commandment Christ Gave Us
Jesus condensed the entire Mosaic Law into two commandments centered on love. In Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV), He said,
“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Apostle Paul reiterates this in Romans 13:8 (NIV): “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” Our primary obligation as believers is to love—this is the mark of true discipleship (John 13:34-35).
C) Love Makes Our Christian Life Work
Christianity, from a natural perspective, often seems nonsensical. Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 1:23 (NIV):
“We preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”
The concept of a God who dies for humanity defies worldly logic. Yet, it is this love that sustains and defines Christian living.
In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV), Paul writes,
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 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.”
Our motivation and strength in the Christian life come from understanding and embodying this divine love.
Who Should We Love?
A) God
We are called into a profound love relationship with God. Matthew 22:37 (NIV) instructs,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
This means our love for God should encompass our deepest emotions, intentions, and actions.
B) Loving Your Neighbor
◦ Loving Your Family
The family unit is the first and most immediate expression of love. Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) commands, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This highlights the sacrificial nature of love within the family. Family relationships should reflect the love of Christ, demonstrating that our faith starts at home.
◦ Loving Brethren in the Household of Faith
Galatians 6:10 (NIV) emphasizes the priority of loving fellow believers:
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This doesn’t mean showing favouritism but prioritizing care and support for those within the faith community.
◦ Loving All People, Including Enemies
Jesus commands us to love even those who oppose us. In Matthew 5:44 (NIV), He instructs,
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This radical love extends to everyone, even those who may wish us harm.
How to Love
1 Proclaiming the Love of God
Sharing the gospel is the most significant way to demonstrate love. John 21:15-17 (NIV) shows Jesus instructing Peter to “feed my sheep,” indicating that proclaiming God’s Word is a primary expression of love.
2 Feeding with the Word of God
Teaching and guiding others in God’s Word is essential. Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) states, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Regularly sharing God’s truth helps nurture and grow believers.
3 Intercession
Praying for others, including those who oppose us, reflects true love. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) encourages, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority.” Our prayers should focus on their well-being and salvation.
4 Good Deeds
Acts of kindness, care, and attention also demonstrate love. Whether it’s offering a listening ear or practical help, these actions should flow from a heart of love.
5 Sacrifice
True love often requires sacrifice. God’s love was proven through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Similarly, we are called to deny ourselves for the sake of others. Sacrifice is a fundamental aspect of genuine love.
In conclusion, love is the essence of our identity as believers. It is not merely about actions but the nature and motivation behind them. As we embrace and live out this divine love, we reflect the heart of God in a world that desperately
