Topical Bible: Truth: Love

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Definition and Nature

In the Christian tradition, love is considered one of the most fundamental attributes of God and a central tenet of the Christian faith. Love, as described in the Bible, is not merely an emotion but an action and a commitment. It is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, reflecting the nature of God Himself. The Greek word "agape" is often used in the New Testament to describe this divine love, which is distinct from other forms of love such as "philia" (brotherly love) or "eros" (romantic love).

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents love as the greatest commandment and the fulfillment of the law. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus states, “‘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 the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing that love is the foundation of all moral and ethical behavior.

God's Love for Humanity

God's love for humanity is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of God's love, demonstrated through the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity from sin.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of God's love in Romans 5:8 : "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This passage underscores the unconditional aspect of divine love, which is extended to humanity regardless of their sinful state.

Love Among Believers

The New Testament emphasizes the importance of love among believers as a reflection of God's love. In John 13:34-35 , Jesus commands His disciples, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." This love is to be the distinguishing mark of Christian discipleship, serving as a testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.

The Apostle Paul provides a detailed description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 : "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 account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." This passage is often referred to as the "Love Chapter" and serves as a guide for how believers are to express love in their relationships.

The Role of Love in the Christian Life

Love is not only a command but also a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." The presence of love in a believer's life is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work and a sign of spiritual maturity.

Furthermore, love is integral to the mission of the Church. In 1 John 4:7-8 , the Apostle John writes, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This passage emphasizes that love is both a reflection of one's relationship with God and a means of revealing God to others.

Conclusion

While this entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that love, as presented in the Bible, is a profound and multifaceted concept that permeates every aspect of the Christian faith. It is both a divine attribute and a human responsibility, calling believers to emulate the love of God in their interactions with others.

Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 8:19
Thus said the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

5385. philosophia -- the love or pursuit of wisdom
... That is, the pursuit of truth from the revelation of .]. Word Origin from philosophos
Definition the love or pursuit of wisdom NASB Word Usage philosophy (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5385.htm - 7k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love. ... From peitho;
persuasion, ie Credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

"It is Needful to See and to Know that we are Sinners: Wherefore ...
... CHAPTER XLVI "It is needful to see and to know that we are sinners: wherefore we
deserve pain and wrath." "He is God: Good, Life, Truth, Love, Peace: His ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xlvi it is needful.htm

Self-Love and Truth Incompatible
... Self-love and Truth Incompatible. From thorny wilds a monster came, That filled
my soul with fear and shame; The birds, forgetful of their mirth,. ...
/.../self-love and truth incompatible.htm

Truth and Love.
... 34. " Truth and Love. 34. LM Frothingham. Truth and Love. 1 O God, whose
presence glows in all, Within, around us, and above! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/34 truth and love.htm

Truth and Divine Love Rejected by the World
... Truth and Divine Love Rejected by the World. O love, of pure and heavenly birth!
O simple truth, scarce known on earth! Whom men resist with stubborn will; ...
/.../truth and divine love rejected.htm

Truth Veiled with Love.
... Book III. Chapter LVIII."Truth Veiled with Love. Then said Peter: "I take
it well that you bring the truth to the rule, and do ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter lviii truth veiled with love.htm

Speaking the Truth in Love. May 19.
... Speaking the Truth in Love. May 19. Whenever we are tempted to say more
than is needful, let us remember St. John's words (in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /speaking the truth in love.htm

Speaking the Truth in Love.
... Homily XI. Chapter XVII."Speaking the Truth in Love. "But you cannot speak
thus; for you do not believe that things are then as ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xvii speaking the truth in.htm

Spirit of Mercy, Truth, and Love
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Whitsunday 197. Spirit of mercy, truth, and love. LM ... Anonymous,
1774. Spirit of mercy, truth, and love,. O shed Thine influence from above ...
/.../whitsunday 197 spirit of mercy.htm

"God is Endless, Sovereign Truth, --Wisdom, --Love, Not-Made; and ...
... REVELATIONS CHAPTER XLIV "God is endless, sovereign Truth,"Wisdom,"Love, not-made;
and man's Soul is a creature in God which hath the same properties made". ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter xliv god is endless.htm

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived. ...
... intend to finish My work without mercy (1 Kings 3:16-28), but My object, like his,
is to apply the touchstone of love which will bring out the truth, and show ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii 1 love is.htm