Love today is often reduced to the feeling of fleeting emotions, like butterflies in our stomachs, or shaped by personal desires. But what does the bible say love truly is? Whether in romance, friendship or family, Scripture provides the clear standard, or I should say God’s standard of love. In 1 Corinthians 13, we find a breakdown of love’s qualities, the divine blueprint that shows us love is more than just feelings. It is action, choice and selflessness. This piece will explore the biblical definition of love, using scriptural examples to bring its meaning to life.
The Biblical Definition of Love
Nestled in the book of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, we find these key qualities of love:
- Love is Patient
True love has the ability to endure, wait and remain firm. It takes its time with others. Responding not with mere tolerance, but with grace, sympathy, and persistence.
- Love is Kind
Kindness is selfless; it seeks to do good and show compassion to others, without the intention of personal gain. It uplifts and encourages, always with a pure heart and pure intentions.
- Love does not Envy
Love does not become jealous or resentful of others. In the face of others success, happiness and blessings, love genuinely celebrates and supports them, finding joy in their triumphs.
- Love is not Prideful
Love is humble and selfless. It does not seek attention or recognition but acts out of genuine humility. Whatever is done in love is done to serve, not to gain personal glory.
- Love does not Behave Rudely
Love is always respectful, considerate and mindful of others. It does not act in a harsh, offensive or inappropriate manner, but seeks to honor and uplift those around us.
- Love does not Seek its Own
As mentioned earlier, love is selfless. Its not about personal gain, but about giving, serving and putting others before ourselves, seeking their well-being over our own.
- Love is not Provoked and Thinks no Evil
Love is patient even in situations that seek to bring you out of good character. Its slow to anger, keeping thoughts pure and free from bitterness and resentment.
- Love Rejoices in truth, not Iniquity
Love celebrates what is right and good, finding joy in righteousness and Godliness. It does not delight or take pleasure in sin and wrongdoing but seeks what is just and true.
- Love Bears, Believes, Hopes and Endures All Things
Love protects and helps carry burdens without giving up. It hopes and trusts in God’s plans and promises, persevering through hardships, pains and trials. No matter what comes its way, love stands firm and sustains.
- Love Never Fails
It seems fitting that this be the last key quality of love mentioned. If love is all the things mentioned in points 1-9, how could it ever fail? True love is unshakable and unfailing; it remains constant and stands the test of time.
We learn so much about love from this biblical blueprint. We get to see love from the perspective of how we ought to treat and give of ourselves to others, rather than what it can do for us. It’s portrayed as an act of genuine selflessness. The biblical description of love goes far beyond how we feel inside, in fact, none of these points focus on how love feels. They focus on how love acts.
Of course, all situations require wisdom, especially Godly wisdom, and with this breakdown of love, we are not only taught how to love others, but also how to identify real and genuine love when we see it.
Biblical examples of 1 Corinthians 13 Love
I know the breakdown of love’s qualities are easier said than done. What better way to receive it and understand it further, by looking at these qualities of love in action from biblical examples. This can help us to practice these acts of love in our lives.
- Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 50: 19-21)
Joseph’s brothers betrayed him by selling him to traders and telling his father he died. But instead of holding that grudge against them or seeking revenge, he forgave them, helped them and trusted in God’s plans. He did not allow his love to be provoked by past hurt, even though he very much had the justification to, he chose good over evil.
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37)
The Samaritan showed true and ultimate kindness to a complete stranger who had been beaten, stripped and left at the roadside by thieves. He treated and bandaged his wounds, carried him to a hotel, paid for it and asked hotel staff to take care of the wounded man until he was better. He also offered to pay any additional fees should there be any. This was love expressed to a total stranger as compassion and kindness.
- Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 1:16-17, 2-4)
The story of Ruth beautifully expressed two powerful expressions of love. Despite the heartbreak of losing her husband, Ruth showed great loyalty and selflessness by choosing to stay by Naomi’s side (her husband’s mother), rather than returning to her family and the familiarity of her homeland. Her love was an amazing act of kindness and putting another before herself.
Boaz, a man of integrity, also showed selflessness and compassion toward Ruth. He ensured she was protected, provided for and in time, redeemed her family line, through marriage. A lineage which brought forth King David and ultimately our Saviour Jesus Christ.
- God’s Unfailing Love
All through the scriptures, we witness the depth of God’s love for His people, one overflowing with grace, mercy, compassion, and unwavering forgiveness. Despite the numerous times the Israelites turned away, failed and disregarded Him, He never abandoned them and never gave up on them. Instead, He patiently guided, provided for, and restored them, demonstrating a love that surpasses human ability and understanding.
In fact, the ultimate portrayal of God’s love for us all was revealed through Him sending His son Jesus Christ, to reconcile us to Himself, offering redemption, healing and guidance to such a broken world.
I know for a fact that each of us has a personal testimony of God’s love, moments when He extended grace, protection, and provision, even when we least deserved it. His love is the very definition of patience, kindness, selflessness, and faithfulness, a love that never wavers, never fails, and never gives up on us.
Conclusion
I can personally admit that, in studying this biblical blueprint of love, I have realized that love is actually hard and requires a lot. It is not an easy thing to choose patience and kindness, especially when others offend us. It can also be difficult to avoid jealousy and comparison particularly when we see others succeed in an area we are still striving to conquer. On top of that we are called to genuinely celebrate their success and be happy for them. But God calls us to this higher standard of love, a love that is selfless and genuine.
Can you imagine what the world would be like if more people loved like this? There would be no broken homes, stronger families, deeper unity among all, and a world with less crime, hate, pain and heartbreak. While I can acknowledge that we are imperfect, we ought to still strive to love as God intended for us to. Choosing patience over frustration, selflessness over selfishness and kindness over harshness.
As we walk this journey to love according to this blueprint, we must carry godly wisdom to ensure that our love isn’t just deep but also discerning, reflecting God’s intended standard as best as we can.
Real and true love is not just a feeling inside, it is a daily choice and action. As we seek to love by this standard, may we extend patience, kindness, and selflessness in every relationship in our lives to our family, friends and strangers, trusting that God’s love will work through us.