What is the Biblical definition of love?

Love, according to the Bible, is more than just an emotion—it is an action, a commitment, and a reflection of God’s character. Here’s a deeper look at the biblical definition of love:

1. Love Is God’s Nature:
   • Verse: "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1 John 4:8 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Love is intrinsic to God’s character. To know God is to know love, as He is the source and definition of true love. We reflect this love in how we treat others and live out our faith.
2. Love Is the Greatest Commandment:
   • Verse: "Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God fully and to love others as ourselves. This twofold commandment encapsulates the essence of the Christian life and guides our relationships with God and others.
3. Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law:
   • Verse: "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13:10 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Love is the essence of God’s commandments. When we love others genuinely, we naturally fulfill the moral and ethical requirements of the law, as love guides our actions to be just, kind, and true.
4. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins:
   • Verse: "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’" (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Love is forgiving and merciful, choosing to overlook faults and extend grace. It promotes reconciliation and unity, even in the face of wrongdoing.
5. Love Is Patient and Kind:
   • Verse: "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up." (1 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Biblical love is characterized by patience and kindness. It involves enduring challenges without complaint and extending grace and compassion to others, even when it is difficult.
6. Love Is Selfless and Sacrificial:
   • Verse: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." (John 15:13 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Love is the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others. It is selfless, putting others' needs and well-being above our own. This ultimate expression of love is seen in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
7. Love Is Unconditional and Eternal:
   • Verse: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8 NKJV)
   • Explanation: God’s love is unconditional, which means it is not based on our actions or worthiness. It is a steadfast, unchanging love that remains constant even when we fall short. This love is eternal and reflects God’s commitment to His people.
8. Love Is Patient and Forgiving:
   • Verse: "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:13 NKJV)
   • Explanation: Love includes patience and a willingness to forgive. Just as Christ has forgiven us, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others, fostering peace and harmony in our relationships.
9. Love Never Fails:
   • Verse: "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV)
   • Explanation: True love, as defined by the Bible, is enduring and unfailing. Unlike other gifts or qualities that may fade, love remains constant and is the foundation of our relationship with God and others.