It's All About Love! The Bible's Definition of Love

I am sure that falling in love is nothing unfamiliar to you who are reading this piece. You already know the signs: your heart beats uncontrollably, you often smile to yourself when thinking about that person, your heart is joyful all day long, and much more. Clearly, love is one of the most beautiful things God has given to humanity.

Uniquely, each person defines love in their own way. Through a small survey involving 20 respondents, I obtained a general picture of what love is. The results can be summarized as follows: “Love is a beautiful thing. In it, there is balance, commitment and acceptance of one another, as well as the struggle to keep trusting each other.”

But in reality, not a few people show love in improper ways. Not infrequently, it is also misused for things that are not right in God's sight. 

So that we do not fall into wrong understanding, let us recognize what God says about love: 

1. God's Love Above All Else

Why do we need to love God more than anything in this world? Those who have ever fallen in love surely know: we will do everything we can so that the person we love will be happy. This is a good thing. However, what if our efforts go against the truth of God's word? 

Let us look at an example of love for God from Abraham:

His word was: “Take your only son, whom you love, Isaac, go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains that I will tell you.” – Genesis 22:2

Abraham had reached the age of 100 when Isaac was born. Imagine how great his love was for the son he had waited for so long. Yet God asked for his son as an offering. I cannot imagine how shattered Abraham's heart was at that moment, but he chose to obey. The way Abraham loved God was marked by his willing heart to sacrifice everything he had.  

When you love God, you are also trained to let something go. Perhaps it is your lust or your comfort, or perhaps your affection for someone. At first it will certainly feel uncomfortable, but you will be shaped to trust that love for God always leads you to good things. 

I have experienced something similar. Indeed, at first, putting God first seemed to produce no results. However, I learned that the key lies in faithfulness. If you are faithful to God, He will also show you His steadfast love. 

2. Building, Not Destroying

It is impossible that God created love if it could destroy human beings. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, God teaches us the definition of love:

It does not behave rudely and does not seek its own advantage. – 1 Corinthians 13:5. 

When someone uses love for personal gain, that love cannot bring the one they claim to love to God. This is what happens in cases of misusing love to satisfy lust. On the contrary, love that builds is love that makes you love God even more. 

Jesus loved His disciples with a love that builds. He did not hesitate to rebuke them when their actions were not in accordance with the truth. Yet Jesus always loved them, even praying for them like this:

“I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours. I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.” – John 17:9,15 

I believe you want your life to beupgraded from time to time. Therefore, do not let yourself fall into the wrong kind of love. Your life needs to be built up in the Lord. And, finding people who can build you up in the truth of God is the key. 

I am grateful that right now I am surrounded by people who help me grow in God's love. My weaknesses are accepted and helped; my strengths are appreciated and used for the glory of God's name. Through them, I have come to know God more fully.

3.  A Verb, Not Just an Adjective

In other words, love is about action, whether for your family, friends, or partner. Actions that are in accordance with the truth of God will make that love have an impact on others. 

“My children, let us love not with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18

Jesus gave us an example of loving through action. During His ministry, Jesus taught, healed the sick, and wept with those who mourned. He never asked anything in return from those He served. In fact, sometimes He was driven away or hated. Even so, Jesus did all of it sincerely.

Then, how can we have love like the love of Jesus? Begin with the mindset that love requires sincerity and commitment. Commitment to strive to love the people placed in our lives. The first step is to accept their weaknesses and strengths. If you love sincerely, you will not demand anything in return. 

Remember that love that you give is not exclusive only to a partner, but also to your family and friends. I am grateful that when I try to love my family in the truth, little by little our relationship becomes deeper and more harmonious. With true love, I can also know my friends more deeply and build one another up. 

Love becomes something beautiful when we understand which Person we need to love first, as well as the right way to show it to others. On this Valentine's Day, let us spread love that is in accordance with God's will. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!

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