What Is Biblical Love — In Biblical Context
Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.
Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." — 1 John 4:8 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Bible uses several Greek words for love. Agape — the highest form — is the love God demonstrates and commands. 'God is love' (1 John 4:8). 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' (John 3:16). 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' (John 15:13). First Corinthians 13:4-7 defines it practically: love 'suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.' Jesus gave a new commandment: 'Love one another; as I have loved you' (John 13:34). This love is not primarily emotional but volitional — a choice to act for another's good. It extends even to enemies (Matthew 5:44). Paul declares love the greatest virtue: 'Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity' (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is the defining mark of Christian discipleship: 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples' (John 13:35).
Where It Sits in Scripture
Supporting Passages
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
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