Love
Summary
The Bible defines love as patient, truthful, sacrificial action rooted in God’s love for us—not mere sentiment.
What the Bible teaches
God is love. The greatest commandments are to love God and neighbor. Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures.
Key passages
1 Corinthians 13:4–7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up... Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Translation: KJV
John 13:34–35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Translation: KJV
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
Translation: KJV
Practical application
Choose one concrete act of love today—especially toward someone difficult—and speak truth without cruelty.
Deeper guides
Related topics
Guidance from Good Old Dan. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Ask a related question.