We all long to love and be loved. From the baby who sleeps peacefully in the arms of his mother to the old man who eagerly awaits the visit of his children and relatives, we all have an innate need to know that we are important, valuable and loved by other people.
Love is one of the most treated topics in literature, cinema and music. There are countless books, songs and poems dedicated to him. The Bible also tells us a lot about love. In fact, it clearly tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8) and in him we find the best example of true and unconditional love. But love as such has been distorted through the centuries. Many equate it with sex; others, with the feeling of power and control over another person. What is really love? How do we define it?
The definition of the word love
Most definitions speak of love as a strong feeling or emotion towards a person or towards a group of people such as family or friends. In certain circumstances it can refer to love towards animals or some material things. There are a variety of definitions, but in reality it is not an easy concept to define.
In the Bible we find a wonderful chapter where we read what can be considered as the best definition of love. It’s of 1 Corinthians 13. In verses 4 through 8a we see how love should be, and how it should not be:
Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not envious or boastful or proud. He doesn’t behave rudely, he isn’t selfish, he doesn’t get angry easily, he doesn’t hold a grudge. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. He excuses everything, believes everything, expects everything, supports everything. Love is never extinguished.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of love mentioned in these verses.
How should true love be?
- Patient: suffers and supports, resists with integrity the weaknesses and defects of the other person.
- Kind: offer good at all times with kindness and sweetness.
- without envy: does not resent or be saddened by the well-being of the other person. Rather he rejoices and celebrates.
- It is not excessively praised or full of pride: does not highlight their merits and qualities at all times. It does not extol their sacrifices and efforts or belittle the other person.
- it’s not rude: is not impolite, violent or rude, but understands and considers the feelings and the good of the other.
- It’s not selfish: does not demand their rights or exalt their own interest. Pay attention and look out for the other person’s interests.
- does not get angry easily: does not lose control or take offense easily.
- don’t hold a grudge: does not keep in his mind and heart the mistakes and offenses that, in his opinion, the other has committed.
- Does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth: is not happy when the loved one makes a mistake. He rejoices when he acts righteously and correctly. Seek the truth and act.
- excuses everything: Forgive and don’t spread the faults of the other person. He tries to understand the reasons.
- believes everything: trust the goodness and good motives of the other person, unless there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary.
- everything awaits: is hopeful and optimistic. Trust God’s promises and are willing to wait to see the changes and blessings you long for.
- supports everything: persevere and remain patient in the midst of trials and difficulties. It is not passive, but active; seek solutions to conflicts with the other person.
- never goes out: It does not end, it does not have an end, it does not end. It is eternal.
Where do we find that love?
He who remains in love remains in God, and God in him.
(1 John 4:16b)
Humanly speaking, it may seem impossible to love like this or to find someone who loves us that way. True love is not based on feelings, but on the decision to love someone unconditionally. and putting all these characteristics into practice, looking for what is best for the other person. How do we do it?
Receiving that love! When we experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and care for ourselves, the seed of that love begins to germinate in our hearts and the desire to love others in the same way arises in us. God is the only one who can give us the ability to love with such kindness and altruism. He is our example of what true love is. God loved us so much that he sent his Son Jesus into this world so that through his death and his resurrection we might be reconciled to him for eternity. He did it because he wanted to, without asking us for anything beforehand. And he did it out of love.
Receive encouragement as you read these 7 verses about God’s love.
Once we allow God’s love to fill us, we will begin to reflect his character in our relationships with others. We can not give what we have. Therefore, in order to give true love we need to receive it first. Have you received God’s love in your life? Have you experienced the healing and restorative power in it? If not, it may be a good time to open your heart to him. Your love of him will transform your whole life!
Get inspired with this collection of love verses.
Love can do everything | 1 Corinthians 13 and other verses that prove it