Biblical Definition Of Love
Biblical Definition of Love
Damon Hudson
Ohio Christian University
11/18/2014
The definition of “love” according to the Holman Illustrated Pocket Bible Dictionary is “Unselfish, loyal, benevolent intention and commitment to another person”. (Holman, 2004) When we think about love and the bible, it’s difficult not to think about the love and grace God has showed us time and time again. Throughout the bible, Christ’s love for everyone is unmatchable and in some instances seemingly impossible. Some of us may think we love one another, but biblically, to love is actually quite difficult to achieve and takes work. Certainly, we love our parents, our children and some of our closest friends but what about our enemies? What about our neighbors? When I think about love and the bible, I immediately think of the first book of Corinthians. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) When placing all these descriptions of what love is, together, it really amplifies the significance of what love really is. Many of us, myself included, rarely achieve true love at the magnitude of what it really means. Think about the last time you became impatient with your children or irritable with your husband or wife. Now, consider a complete stranger. We are to love everyone and if we have difficulties truly loving our own family how can we even begin to show love to a complete stranger. How about the last time you became upset with your significant other and thought about giving up. This, according to the bible, is not love at all. This brings me to another form of love and that is the love we are to have for our spouse.
Damon Hudson
Ohio Christian University
11/18/2014
The definition of “love” according to the Holman Illustrated Pocket Bible Dictionary is “Unselfish, loyal, benevolent intention and commitment to another person”. (Holman, 2004) When we think about love and the bible, it’s difficult not to think about the love and grace God has showed us time and time again. Throughout the bible, Christ’s love for everyone is unmatchable and in some instances seemingly impossible. Some of us may think we love one another, but biblically, to love is actually quite difficult to achieve and takes work. Certainly, we love our parents, our children and some of our closest friends but what about our enemies? What about our neighbors? When I think about love and the bible, I immediately think of the first book of Corinthians. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) When placing all these descriptions of what love is, together, it really amplifies the significance of what love really is. Many of us, myself included, rarely achieve true love at the magnitude of what it really means. Think about the last time you became impatient with your children or irritable with your husband or wife. Now, consider a complete stranger. We are to love everyone and if we have difficulties truly loving our own family how can we even begin to show love to a complete stranger. How about the last time you became upset with your significant other and thought about giving up. This, according to the bible, is not love at all. This brings me to another form of love and that is the love we are to have for our spouse.
References: Chapman, G. (2008). Love as a way of life : seven keys to transforming every aspect of your life. New York: Doubleday. Holman Bible Publishers (2004). Holman illustrated pocket Bible dictionary. Nashville: Holman Reference.