LOVE: Biblical and Personal Definition by Lisa Underwood
BIBLICAL DEFINITION
Love is Sacrificial –
(John 3:16)
(John 17:1-5)
(Genesis 22:1-12)
Love is self-giving – ➢ (Leviticus 19:33-34) Love the Stranger
(Luke 10: 25-37) Good Samaritan
Love is a fulfillment of the law –
(Deuteronomy 6: 4-6)
(John 15: 12-13)
The love that Jesus’ disciples have for others is to be just as complete as God’s love –
(Matthew 5: 42-48) … (Romans 5:8)
Love is the greatest gift above faith and hope –
(1 Corinthians 13:13)
10 Ways to Love –
Speak without accusing (James 1:19)
Give without sparing (Proverbs 21:26)
Pray without ceasing (Colossians 1:9)
Answer without arguing (Proverbs 17:1)
Share without pretending (Ephesians 4:15)
Enjoy without complaint (Philippians 2:14)
Trust without wavering (1 Corinthians 13:7)
Promise without forgetting (Proverbs 13:12)
4 forms of Love –
Storage … kinship or familiarity
Philia … friendship – This love represents “brotherly love”. This love can be experienced by believers and non-believers.
Eros … sexual and/or romantic desire
Agape … self-emptying or divine love – This love represents God’s love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love best shown by God’s provision for our rebellion. This love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ since the non-regenerated soul (unbeliever) is unable to love unconditionally.
4 Important Characteristics of Love –
There’s a difference between superficial love and mature love. Mature love does not lose itself in another person, but rather fuses with another person while still maintaining a sense of individuality.
Love is the active concern for the life and the growth of that which we love
If an individual is able to love productively, he loves himself too; if he can only love others, he cannot love at all.
To love somebody is not just a strong feeling—it is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise
Wikipedia defines Love as –
Love is a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes that ranges from interpersonal affection (“I love my mother”) to pleasure (“I loved that meal”). It can refer to an emotion of a strong attraction and personal attachment.
It can also be a virtue representing human kindness, compassion, and affection—”the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another”.
It may also describe compassionate and affectionate actions towards other humans, one’s self or animals.
Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.
Love may be understood as a function to keep human beings together against menaces and to facilitate the continuation of the species.
Impersonal love refers to love between human beings. It is a much more potent sentiment than a simple liking for another.
Unrequited love refers to those feelings of love that are not reciprocated.
Psychological basis of Love –
Psychology depicts love as a cognitive and social phenomenon. Psychologist Robert Sternberg formulated a triangular theory of love and argued that love has three different components:
∙Intimacy is a form in which two people share confidences and various details of their personal lives, and is usually shown in friendships and romantic love affairs
Commitment is the expectation that the relationship is permanent
Passion is sexual attraction and passion. Passionate love is shown in infatuation as well as romantic love.
Christian Quotes explaining Love –
“Christianity is a love relationship between a child of God and his Maker through the Son Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Adrian Rogers
Christ’s Love Creates Unity In the Midst of Diversity (Author Unknown)
My personal definition of Love –
Love is not just an emotion, it’s a part of your character. Love goes hand in hand with faith, hope and integrity because they too are a part of your character. Love is a two way street whether you are talking about a relationship with a parent, friend or significant other. You have to work at love in order to receive the complete manifestation of its power. When we first love someone it’s more of an infatuation, a super like of them. That feeling, with some work, some faith and some hope will begin to evolve into an emotion that embraces every fiber of your being. If we don’t work to create an all powering love then the relationship you are trying to have will not last.
The same is true with your relationship with Jesus. When you first accept him you have a spiritual high but if you don’t get to know him and talk to him (prayer and word) and grow that love then the relationship will perish.
If you have a true relationship with Jesus and continue to grow that love with him then you are an open vessel that will shine for him and allow others to see how good God is.
REFERENCES:
Biblegateway.com
Concise Bible Dictionary
Characteristics of Love by Mark Mayberry
4 Important Characteristics About Love – post written by Mariana Ashley of online colleges
Wikipedia