“A strong feeling of affection and concern toward another person, as that arising from kinship or close friendship; a feeling of devotion or adoration toward God or a god; a feeling of kindness or concern by God or a god toward humans.” This is the definition of ‘love’ according to American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language. It’s non-specific ... general in scope.
Where can we find a true, specific definition of love? We need look no further than the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13, sometimes referred to as “the love chapter”, defines love in detail leaving no room for misunderstanding.
The Apostle Paul has done some of his greatest work with this chapter, for as far as I know it is the most clear, concise definition of love that I believe may exist in literary form.
Chapter 12 gives evidence that the members of the Corinthian church displayed a severe lack of love toward one another with regards to their use of spiritual gifts. Paul tells his readers in Chapter 13 that no matter what we do for the Lord; no matter what Godly gifts we may have, it is all totally meaningless if they are not done in love. Being void of love negates any potential positivity that may be intended.
Vv. 4 thru 7 are the crux of the meaning of the word ‘love’. “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.” “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” (v. 13)
It is clear by the manner in which people live that those in our society have confused love with lust. Lust is simply defined as “Intense sexual desire”. That is not love. While sexual relations is part of the love equation, it should be reserved for marriage and not with whosoever will, to satisfy one’s own selfish desires. 1 John 4:8 lets us know that “... anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
We must reflect on God’s definition of love and diligently strive to emulate the qualities displayed in scripture. We must learn to treat our spouses with genuine, Godly love continuously. It must be real, not presumptive. We are to treat friends, family and even strangers just the same, for as scripture says in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Our love towards others can tend to be diametrically opposed to the world and their unbridled, emotion charged “love”. You see, God’s love is something that generally speaking cannot be duplicated on earth. Even our attempts to replicate it fall short most of the time. But God blesses our efforts for the sake of the kingdom and success is found on some level.
Love is easy to fake. It is used as a bargaining chip in a conditional way; as in, “if you do this or that I will love you”. This should be fairly easy to identify. True love is a deviation from the perceived norm that has been perpetrated against humankind. True love is nondiscriminatory and unconditional at its core. This is God’s love toward his creation and is the same love that we are to practice in our own lives.
In Paul’s statement in vv. 4-7, he tells us both what love is and what it is not. It is definitely patient and kind, but is not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. It doesn’t demand that things be their way or no way at all. Love isn’t irritable, which may be something that is difficult to pull off for some of us (like me, for instance). Love doesn’t keep a list of wrongs done to them (injustice can start a slow burn that has the potential to become a raging inferno if not kept in check.). It doesn’t celebrate injustices that are done to another, but it does rejoice whenever truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith in God, is always hopeful and endures thru every unpleasant situation.
This is a very specific rendering of the word ‘love’. I hope all this has been helpful. Always remember, this life isn’t all about YOU ... It’s about God and how you allow him to use you for the good of the kingdom.
Up next is a look at what Paul says regarding the choices we make. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name and for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: The Life Application Study Bible.
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