Love

Love

We use the word love in many ways. We love our parents with a different love than we have for our pet. We say we love our dinner, but not in the same way we love God. What does the Bible say about love?

What one word tells us about God? The Bible says, “God is love” (1 John 4:16, NIV).

How did God show His love for us? The Bible says, “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” (John 3:16, NIV).

How does the Bible describe love? The Bible says, “Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, TLB).

Can anything ever separate me from God’s love? No. God will always love you no matter what. The apostle Paul wrote, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38 39, NIV).

Love is deep and priceless. It’s in the Bible, Song of Solomon 8:7, NKJV. "Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, It would be utterly despised."

Love does not cause fear. It’s in the Bible, 1 John 4:18, NKJV. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

How long will God’s love last? “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:1, NIV). Forever is a long, long time, but that is how long God’s love will last.

Should we love just our friends? What about our enemies? Jesus said, “There is a saying, ‘Love your friends and hate your enemies.’ But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:43, 44, TLB).

Who should we love? Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12, TLB). “‘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” (Matthew 22:37-40, TLB).

What should I do if I don’t have as much love for God as I used to have? The Bible says, “Yet there is one thing wrong; you don’t love me as at first! Think about those times of your first love (how different now!) and turn back to me again and work as you did before” (Revelation 2:4, 5, TLB).

Love is not just a feeling, but takes all that we have. It’s in the Bible, Deuteronomy 6:5, NKJV. "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."

How can I best show my love for God? The Bible says, Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV).