In a world that becomes confused between love and emotion, romance, or even temporary passion, the question is: What does God define as true love? Is it a feeling, or is it more profound, more enduring, and eternal?
The Bible provides us with a good and powerful definition of love – one beyond man’s full understanding.
1. True Love Is Sacrificial
“Greatest love has no one than this, than to give his life for his friends.”
— John 15:13 (NKJV)
God’s love is always in terms of giving and never receiving. Jesus demonstrated this by laying down His life on the cross. In God’s heart, the highest love is to give freely, even with a personal cost.
This type of love asks:
- How do I serve the one I love?
- Am I willing to sacrifice time, comfort, or pride?
2. True Love Is Patient and Kind
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
This passage in 1 Corinthians provides the best picture of what love in everyday life is. God’s love isn’t hot-headed or bitter. Instead, it shows grace, is kind, and exercises kindness – especially in conflict or tension.
Real love waits, listens, forgives, and gives. It’s not righteousness, but being righteous.
3. Real Love Reflects God’s Character
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
— 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
Love isn’t something God practices; love is who He is. Which means when we are living in love, we’re demonstrating others God’s character. If your love is genuine, it will resemble God – merciful, holy, truthful, and faithful.
This also means that we can never truly love except to know God. Trying to love like God loves, we are to remain in His presence and let His Spirit renew our hearts.
4. True Love Is Unconditional
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8 (NIV)
God did not wait for us to be perfect before he could love us. He loved us when we were at our worst. Likewise, true love is not based on performance or appearance or actions. It is steady in spite of ebbing and flowing feelings.
God’s kind of love in relationships speaks to you:
- “I will love you when you fall short.”
- “My love is not about what you do for me but about what God has done for me.”
5. True Love Builds and Guards
“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
— 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a (NIV)
God’s love is not a manipulator or destroyer. It forgives frailties, offers human beings the best, and does not give up. In marriage, friendship, family, authentic love builds, heals, and restores.
True love stays behind. It does not vanish when things become difficult in life. It sticks around, praying amidst the rainstorms, and seeks peace.
Final Thoughts
God’s real love is bigger than words or romance – it’s the resonance of His heart. It’s patient, kind, sacrificial, holy, and longsuffering. We can’t love others first unless we’re filled with God’s perfect love and let it mold us from the inside out.
“We love because He first loved us.”
— 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Let your love be a light that reflects the heart of God.
