Examining Love, Biblically

Love is one of the most central themes of the Bible, and its different forms and views are expressed throughout its pages. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible offers a rich and diverse understanding of love, encompassing everything from romantic love to selfless agape love.

Romantic Love

While the Bible does not offer a specific definition of romantic love, it contains numerous stories of love between couples. The Song of Solomon, for example, is a poetic and erotic portrayal of the love between a man and a woman. The book describes the passionate and intimate relationship between the lovers, and celebrates the physical and emotional aspects of their love.

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Solomon 6:3)

“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.” (Song of Solomon 8:6)

Another example of romantic love in the Bible is the story of Ruth and Boaz. Their love story is characterized by loyalty, kindness, and selflessness, and it has been celebrated throughout the ages as an example of true love.

“And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

Agape Love

Agape love is perhaps the most famous and revered form of love in the Bible. It is a selfless and unconditional love, exemplified by God’s love for humanity. Agape love is not based on emotions or desires, but rather on a deep commitment to the well-being of others.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” (1 John 4:7)

Brotherly Love

Brotherly love, also known as philia, is another form of love that is emphasized in the Bible. It is a love between friends or family members, and it is characterized by loyalty, kindness, and mutual support.

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Charitable Love

Charitable love, or giving, is also emphasized in the Bible. It is a love that is expressed through acts of generosity and compassion towards those in need.

“And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3)

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)

Love for God

Finally, the Bible emphasizes the importance of love for God as the foundation for all other forms of love. It is a love that is expressed through obedience to God’s

commandments and a desire to please Him above all else.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38)

The Bible teaches that love is not just an emotion, but a choice and an action. It is a choice to put others before oneself, to be selfless and giving, and to strive for the well-being of others. It is a theme that runs through the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and it is an essential part of what it means to be a Christian.

While the Bible offers a diverse and complex view of love, it is important to remember that all forms of love are ultimately rooted in the love of God. As Christians, we are called to love others as Christ loved us, with a selfless and sacrificial love that seeks the well-being of all people.

In conclusion, the Bible offers a rich and diverse understanding of love, encompassing everything from romantic love to selfless agape love. Through its stories and teachings, the Bible teaches that love is not just an emotion, but a choice and an action. It is a theme that runs through the entire Bible, and it is an essential part of what it means to be a Christian.