In the biblical context, the concepts of cherishing and protecting love are deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture, emphasizing the sanctity and enduring nature of love as ordained by God. Love, as described in the Bible, is not merely an emotion but a profound commitment that reflects the character of God Himself.

Biblical Foundation of Love

The Bible presents love as a fundamental attribute of God. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This verse underscores the divine nature of love, indicating that to cherish and protect love is to align oneself with God's own nature.

Cherishing Love

To cherish love is to hold it in high esteem and to nurture it with care and devotion. Ephesians 5:25-29 provides a vivid illustration of this concept within the context of marriage: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." This passage highlights the sacrificial and nurturing aspects of love, calling for a deep commitment to cherish one's spouse as Christ cherishes the church.

Protecting Love

Protecting love involves safeguarding it from harm and ensuring its purity and integrity. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," the Apostle Paul describes the characteristics of true love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." This passage emphasizes the protective nature of love, which seeks to uphold truth and righteousness while enduring challenges.

Love in Action

The Bible calls believers to actively demonstrate love in their relationships and communities. In John 15:12-13, Jesus commands, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This directive to love sacrificially reflects the ultimate expression of cherishing and protecting love, as modeled by Christ's own sacrifice.

The Role of Love in the Christian Life

Love is central to the Christian life and is considered the greatest of virtues. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, Paul concludes, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love." This verse highlights the preeminence of love in the believer's life, serving as the foundation for all other virtues and actions.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to cherish and protect love is a call to embody the love of God in all aspects of life. By nurturing and safeguarding love, believers reflect the divine nature and fulfill the greatest commandments to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39).