Let’s dive in today and talk about love—the kind of love that’s far deeper and more powerful than what the world often thinks. You see, biblical love isn’t just an emotion or a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s not something that comes and goes based on our mood, like a Hallmark movie. It’s a choice, an action, and it’s rooted in the intentions of our hearts. Jesus made this clear when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Real love sacrifices. It serves. It acts.
The Different Types of Love in the Bible
In the New Testament, we find several Greek words that describe different aspects of love. Each one gives us a fuller picture of what true love looks like:
First, there’s agape love. This is the highest form of love, the kind that is selfless and unconditional. It’s the love God shows us, a love that gives everything and expects nothing in return. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). That’s agape love—a love that doesn’t depend on how lovable we are. It’s the love we, as believers, are called to show to everyone, reflecting the heart of God (1 John 4:7-8).
Next, we have phileo love. This is brotherly love, a warm and affectionate friendship. It’s the kind of love you feel for a close friend, the kind of connection that goes beyond surface-level acquaintances. In 1 Samuel 18, we see this love in the friendship between David and Jonathan. Their bond was so deep that they loved each other as their own souls. Phileo love is genuine, reciprocal, and heartfelt.
Then there’s storge love, which is natural affection, like the love we have for our family members. While the word itself isn’t commonly used in the New Testament, we see the concept in passages that speak about being devoted to one another in love, like in Romans 12:10. It’s the kind of love that binds families together, the love a parent feels for their child.
Finally, we have eros love. This is romantic or passionate love, often expressed within the covenant of marriage. While the word isn’t explicitly used in the New Testament, we see the concept celebrated throughout Scripture, particularly in the Song of Solomon and in passages like Proverbs 5:18-19. Eros love is the beautiful, intimate bond designed by God for a husband and wife.
Love as Described in 1 Corinthians 13
The Apostle Paul gives us a clear and practical description of what true love looks like in 1 Corinthians 13. He writes, “Love suffers long and is kind.” Love is patient and kind, just as God has been patient and kind with us. Think of Jesus, who took the time to heal the sick and show compassion to the outcasts. That’s what real love does.
Paul goes on to say, “Love does not envy.” True love isn’t jealous. It celebrates others instead of competing with them. Unlike Cain, who became consumed by envy toward his brother Abel, true love rejoices in the blessings of others.
And here’s a big one: “Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.” Real love is honest. It’s truthful, even when the truth is hard to hear. Sometimes, loving someone means telling them the truth in love, not out of judgment, but out of a desire to help them grow. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke the truth of God’s word, even when it wasn’t popular, because true love stands for what is right and good (Amos 5:15).
Loving Your Neighbor and Your Enemies
Now, let’s get to something even more challenging. We are called not just to love those who love us back, but to love everyone—including our neighbors and even our enemies. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command. Loving our neighbor means caring for those around us, serving them, and putting their needs before our own.
But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He takes it a step further in Matthew 5:44, saying, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Loving our enemies might be one of the hardest things we’re called to do as Christians, but it’s what sets us apart. It’s easy to love those who are kind to us, but true, godly love reaches out even to those who have hurt us. It’s a love that forgives, that prays for those who persecute us, and that seeks the good of others, even when it’s difficult.
The Conversation Between Jesus and Peter: Agape vs. Phileo
One of the most touching examples of love in the Bible is the conversation between Jesus and Peter in John 21. After Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus asks him, “Do you love [agape] Me?” Peter, feeling the weight of his failure, responds, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love [phileo] You.” Jesus meets Peter where he is, asking the question three times, and each time, Peter responds with honesty, admitting his love isn’t perfect.
This exchange shows us that Jesus values genuine, humble love, even when it falls short of perfection. He knows our hearts, and He meets us where we are, helping us grow deeper in our love for Him.
Love in Action: Obedience, Truth, and Commitment
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). True love for God isn’t just about saying the right words; it’s about living in obedience. It’s about choosing His ways over our own, even when it’s hard. The apostle John reminds us in 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
And let’s not forget, love also means being truthful. Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “speak the truth in love.” This means that sometimes, real love involves having difficult conversations. It’s not loving to let someone continue in a path of sin or destruction. True love gently corrects and guides people back to the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
My Final Thoughts
Biblical love isn’t just a nice feeling or a romantic idea. It’s an active, sacrificial commitment. It’s patient, kind, humble, and truthful. It’s the kind of love that Jesus showed us when He died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8). It’s a love that reaches out to our neighbors and even extends to our enemies. It’s a love that stands up for the truth, even when it’s hard.
So, here’s the question: Do you love Jesus? If you do, let it be shown in your actions, in your commitment to His teachings, and in the way you love others—even those who are hard to love. Let the love of God fill your heart and overflow into every part of your life.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
And there’s your word for the day. Until next time, be strong and of good courage.
