What is Love?
Love Is Who God Is
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
—1 John 4:8 (ESV)
Love is not just something God does—it is who He is. Every act of mercy, every moment of patience, every blessing, every form of discipline—all flow from His perfect love. When we ask “What is love?” we are ultimately asking to understand the heart of God Himself.
Love Is Sacrificial
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8 (ESV)
True love gives. It does not wait until the other is worthy or lovable. God’s love is most clearly seen in the cross, where Jesus laid down His life not for the righteous, but for the lost. That’s love: selfless, unconditional, and undeserved.
Love Is Patient and Kind
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way…”
—1 Corinthians 13:4–5a (ESV)
The Bible’s definition of love goes beyond feelings. Love is action. Love is choosing to respond with grace when it’s easier to react in anger. Love listens, serves, waits, forgives. Love doesn’t manipulate—it blesses.
Love Is Obedient
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
—John 14:15 (ESV)
To love God is to follow Him. Love is not lip service—it’s a life aligned with His will. When we obey God, not out of duty but devotion, we show that our love is real.
Love Casts Out Fear
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…”
—1 John 4:18 (ESV)
God’s love brings peace, not torment. When we receive His love, we are freed from the fear of judgment, rejection, or condemnation. That security enables us to love others boldly.
Love Is the Greatest Commandment
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
—Matthew 22:37–39 (ESV)
Love for God and love for people—this is the essence of Christian living. All the commandments, laws, and moral teaching flow from this. Without love, religion is empty.
Conclusion:
Love is not a fleeting emotion. It’s not something we fall into or out of. Love is a decision, a commitment, a reflection of God’s nature in us. It’s how we are known as Christ’s disciples (John 13:35).
Prayer:
Lord, teach us to love as You have loved us. Help us to love when it’s hard, to forgive when it hurts, to be kind when it’s inconvenient. Fill our hearts with Your perfect love so we can live as lights in a dark world.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.