What Love Is

The Bible provides several passages that explain what love is. One of the most famous descriptions of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version), which states:

“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 always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

According to this passage, love is characterized by patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, forgiveness, and a commitment to truth and righteousness. Love is not self-centered, but rather seeks the well-being of others, and it is enduring and resilient.

Another well-known passage on love is found in John 3:16, which states: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse emphasizes the sacrificial nature of love, as it describes God’s love for humanity in giving His Son for our salvation.

Throughout the Bible, love is portrayed as the foundation of relationships, the motivation for acts of kindness and charity, and the ultimate expression of God’s nature. These passages provide a powerful and enduring understanding of love as a central virtue in the Christian faith.