Introduction

Divine instruction in love is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His expectations for human relationships. Love, as depicted in the Scriptures, is not merely an emotion but a profound commitment to act in accordance with God's will. This entry explores the biblical foundation of love as instructed by God, its characteristics, and its application in the life of believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of love is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with God's covenantal relationship with His people. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Shema, a foundational Jewish prayer, commands: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This commandment underscores the totality of devotion expected from God's people.

Leviticus 19:18 further extends this love to interpersonal relationships: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." Here, love is presented as an ethical imperative, integral to community life and reflective of God's character.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament amplifies and fulfills the Old Testament teachings on love through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus reiterates the greatest commandments: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" These commandments encapsulate the essence of divine instruction in love, emphasizing its dual focus on God and others.

The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, provides a detailed description of love's attributes: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Corinthians 13:4). This passage is often referred to as the "Love Chapter" and serves as a guide for Christian conduct, highlighting love's enduring and selfless nature.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ embodies divine love, serving as the ultimate example for believers. His sacrificial death on the cross is the pinnacle of divine love, as stated in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Christ's love is both redemptive and transformative, calling believers to emulate His selflessness and compassion.

In Ephesians 5:1-2, Paul exhorts believers to "be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." This passage underscores the call to live a life of love, modeled after Christ's example.

Practical Application

Divine instruction in love is not merely theoretical but demands practical application in the life of believers. In 1 John 3:18, the apostle John urges: "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to action emphasizes that genuine love is demonstrated through deeds, reflecting the sincerity of one's faith.

The early church exemplified this love through communal living and mutual support, as seen in Acts 2:44-47. Believers are encouraged to continue this legacy by serving one another, bearing each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), and striving for unity within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:3).

Conclusion

Divine instruction in love is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith, rooted in the character of God and exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. It calls believers to a life of devotion to God and selfless service to others, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.