Be the first to show love, even when you feel like they don’t deserve it. Let's analyze it with a study from the original Greek text. At the end of the day...that’s what matters most anyway. When we think of love, it’s easy to think about good feelings. This is the "Christian love" of the Bible. - Catholicbible101 is the website that explains Catholic teachings in plain, easy to understand English. It is often used or translated as affection or friendship. And yet, ἔρως (romantic, sexual love) is a good gift of God to human beings, as the Bible makes plain. You can read the whole story in Acts 7. Jesus gave us two Commandments for the New Covenant in: The other person is not the problem. credit, to place confidence in someone, believe; pas = all Once he has done that this becomes a little easier. Love is both what God is and what he has done; God always acts in love. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you – Matthew 5:43-44. Thanks! = not to boast one's self, to brag, to show off, to give You never know, if they don’t know Jesus, your kindness may win them over. This is the first commandment. The Bible teaches that God loves us, yet also teaches that God is love. And that, my friends, is what being salt and light are all about. Corinthians 13:4-8 (NKJV) - "Love suffers long (= is – Romans 12:18. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Prostock-Studio. Here again, we find the same definition for Love of 2 John 1:6, expressed in different terms, but both having the same exact meaning. He is no different than any of us. Love Is Kind. John 13:34-35 (NKJV) - "A new commandment I give to But I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone quote this one as their favorite. The characteristics of Love are listed in:1 The third Greek word for “love,” philia, refers to friendship and comradery. What Stephen displayed when he was being stoned. 20 Things You May Not Know about Martin Luther King, Jr. 10 Encouraging Bible Verses about Not Giving Up, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Bible, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law." rejoice with, to be glad with; alētheia = truth, referred to biblical Truth, the true Let’s look at the books of the Bible that talk about love most, and then drill into a few chapters that really focus on love. When you love in this way first and foremost, it can only enrich the other “loves” in your life…well except maybe for material things like movies, ice cream, and shoes. Love your enemies? Agape, which is the deepest love, means doing good things for … There is another reason though: For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. knowledge of God and the principles of His Kingdom; to be glad to side with truth, to rejoice whenever truth wins out; Bears all things - stegō = to bear up, protect; pas = all things, everything; to protect all, if you love someone (referred to a brother/sister in Christ) you will be loyal and faithful to him/her no matter what the cost, you will cover them and always stand your ground in defending and protecting them; Believes all things - pisteuō = to give As we already mentioned, this is the kind of love that you typically experience when you are infatuated with someone. Here is a collection of some of the greatest love quotes from the Bible. The reality is that when you display this type of love to your enemies, you are showing them Jesus. What Are "Signs and Wonders" of the End Times? Romans 13:8-10 - "Owe no one anything except to love one another, because he who loves another has fulfilled the Law. – Romans 12:20-21. There is no other commandment greater than these. And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Wait a second, did you read that correctly? So, it is important that you allow God to heal your heart and remove the oppression that keeps you from being able to keep His Law. There is a higher purpose. It especially implies a … – Matthew 5:46-47. not to determine; kakos = evil, wicked, destructive, not Catholic Bible 101 - What is Love? Mark 12:30-31 (NKJV) - "And 'you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' Now, you might be saying: it’s bad enough Jesus says I have to love them...now I have to pray for them, too? See our video teachings on Biblical Healing and Wholeness for more information on this subject. If someone has done anything to bring harm to your character, your family, or you...then you must forgive them. These mysterious emotions certainly seem powerful, but they are also incredibly elusive. after, not to seek for, not to aim at, not to strive after; Be first to show kindness even if the person is not very nice. In the English language, the word love is forced to bear the burden of a multitude of meanings. Usually, the former denotes "complacency in the character" of the person loved; but "love your enemies" here it denotes the benignant, compassionate outgoings of desire for another's good. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; … And if you really “give it to ‘em,” that can hurt your witness. If someone has spoken ill against you. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. It is deliberate, purposeful love rather than emotional or impulsive love. Because this is what Jesus did and by doing this you truly reflect his character. The second part of loving your enemies is praying for those who persecute you. I hope that wasn’t too “soapboxy” but if it was, I pray you hear my heart and we don’t become enemies. The word "love" comes up on almost every page of … Love is kind. The apostle Paul used the word love nine times in this short chapter and colorfully and powerfully illustrated what it is and is not. One of the most pleasing stories of a marriage in Scripture doesn’t ever mention love. Describes a variety of intensely close emotional bonds. We love a warm room in winter. If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. They were more concerned about the eternal than the temporary. And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Be the first to offer forgiveness, before someone even asks for it. “Agape (love) is one of the rarest words in ancient Greek literature, but one of the most common in the New Testament.” 1. ἔρως —ÉRŌS: sexual passion, primarily Before we look at the real-world ways to love your enemies, I want to share two major points first because without these it will never happen. The Bible indicates that love is from God. This can only flow from a heart that has been transformed by the love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember when he was on the cross, he said: ...“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34. This refers to a believer with another believer; in this situation a mature Christian forgives and sees the purity of their fellow believer's heart instead of labeling them as evil and judging them according to their past mistakes. This is what it means to flip the script. This word is often translated as “friend” (one who is loved) in the New Testament. I need to focus your attention on the end of the story (sorry for the spoiler alert if you never read it): While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. The Bible tells us that love originates in God. With that said, let’s look at three real-world ways to love your enemies. So I want to encourage you today. It feels your sorrow; it feels … He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book, The Pursuit of Purpose. BIBLE STUDY SERIES A COMPREHENSIVE LESSON ON LOVE LOVE ACCORDING TO THE WORLD Love, by dictionary definition, is described as: A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, For many years, I struggled to forgive my father. Love According to the Bible Our world presents love as either an intoxicating emotion that makes all things right, or a mysterious experience that transports lonely individuals to perpetual happiness. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” This is the Commandment, that as you have Ultimately, remember we represent Christ. “Love” is commonly used to describe that inner affection … Article Images Copyright ©. The Bible is one giant love story to God, and his journey towards our acceptance and forgiveness of self and others. A good rule of thumb is to just follow what the Bible says: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Charity vs. Love. 2 John 1:6 (NKJV) The point here is that regardless of who that enemy is...you must respond differently than they expect and, more importantly, than what you really want. It also happens to be the name of the Greek god of love. Let me give you a few real-world examples. “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8. This is the love which is found between close friends. Eros is a Greek word that is said to mean longing or desire. Just so you know, it’s not just something that Jesus did—you can do it, too. you also love one another. "Be Still and Know that I Am God" "Pray Without Ceasing" "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made""All Things Work Together for Good" "Do Not Fear", Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources. Since the Bible tells us that God Himself is love (), it is fitting that this beautiful description of love should be well-known.. It could also mean they will never reciprocate or respond, but you can’t control that. This is spiritual and practical. all things. heard from the beginning, you should walk in it." Whatever else we say about the Christian virtue of love, we must be clear that the love God commands is a love that imitates His own. Let me remind you of Stephen. Are you absolutely certain your Greek translation is right? The word love occurs 686 times in the New International Version of the Bible, 425 in the Old Testament, and 261 in the New Testament. heautou = himself, herself, itself, themselves; not to seek Furthermore, Jesus explains that by this principle, heated or to boil with envy and hatred; Love does not parade itself - perpereuomai God’s love for us is a perfect example and starting place to study on love. 1 John 4:7-8 (NKJV) - "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. When you reflect on Jesus’ life and character, he demonstrated how much he loved those who were against him. Most importantly, you will bring honor and glory to God in the process. Likewise, God has endowed us with the … We “love” everything from pancakes to parents, but in vastly different ways. – Matthew 5:46-47. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV / 2,810 helpful votes. Because if we do, you still have to love me anyway. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Loving and forgiving your enemies actually frees you. patient) and is kind; love does not envy; love does not 7 Truths You Need to Cling to in a Divided Nation. Love is an important part of God’s covenant with Israel; it is a human response to God’s love and mercy. Here’s why. So it is clear that the Holy Spirit is the one who produces genuine love in the heart. What Is 'Sleep Divorce' and Is it Biblical? It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. in: Love the people who treat you nicely and respectfully, yes. What does that mean? 'Back To God' Reba McEntire And Lauren Daigle Official Lyric Video, 10 Things You Didn’t Know about the 10 Commandments, How to Know if You've Been Raised on False Teaching, For Such a Time as This - Crosswalk the Devotional - January 14, 10 Online Sins We're All Apparently Okay With. We are all called to love the Lord, by expressing obedience to His commandments (Deut. Yes, you did. Here it is…be first. Help save a baby's life! He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears Honestly, there are some people who just won’t be very nice or kind to you. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. ἀγάπη —AGÁPĒ: • Godly love • God’s love • love for God. to act unbecomingly, not to behave inappropriately; Does not seek its own - zēteō = not to seek Love, in the Biblical sense, is an action, a choice that goes beyond any feelings, and sometimes in spite of them. - "This is love, that we walk according to His (God's) When directed toward things, love means enjoying or taking pleasure in those things. Law of God and justice, act of unrighteousness; not to be glad with sin; not to be rejoice at wrongdoing or injustice; But rejoices in the truth - sygchairō = to Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 Love is one of the primary characteristics of God. Eros love in the Bible . True love has a gentle, caring and compassionate heart. what is convenient and profitable for us, not to be selfish and self-centered, not to think just of ourselves, not to demand our own way; Is not provoked - paroxynō = not to be Read about how we use cookies and how you can control them by clicking. Not because you have a political viewpoint, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Many people have their favorite verses in scripture. (Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Bible) We must have a compassion for them, and a good will toward them. Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.". Storge. Why do you need to do this? When you come in contact with these people and they show you hate, you respond with love and kindness. But Galatians 5:6 says, “In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.” This means at least that love comes from faith. Recognize that we as Christians are united under the cross and when it is all said and done there will only be one King of Kings and one Lord of Lords. Christians are known for being His disciples and followers From wedding ceremonies to inspirational posters, the Love Chapter has become one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. This may never change the way people treat you; after all, people did nail Jesus to a cross, but your conscience will be clear. are My disciples, if you have love for one another.". does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does Paul compares faith, hope, and love, and concludes that "the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor 13:13). The Best Way White Christians Can Respond to Racial Tensions. Moreover, love is so important to the Bible’s teachings that John tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:7–8). All Rights Love your friends, yes. Sin is not The Spirit of God working in you is what will cause you to react the way God wants you to, and not just follow what you want to do. Has there ever been a time in our society where we needed to put this into practice more than we need to now? The definition of Phileo is that of a brotherly affection toward someone we really like. You are showing that you are different than the world. Kindness is similar to patience but refers to how we treat others. As I will you. Why was Stephen able to do this? Sin, ultimately, creates a breach in relationships and separates us from ourselves, others and God, but when we keep God's Law, we conform to Jesus and manifest His character and His Love, and thus, repair the breach created by sin. Before you can show any outward display of loving your enemies there must first be an inward transformation. The Greek language, used in the Bible, has at least four words to describe the various aspects of love. In a more romantic manner, Isaac loved his wife Rebekah (Gen. 24:67), and Jacob loved Rachel (Gen. 29:18), but Delilah manipulated Samson by challenging his love for her (Judg. First John 4:7-9 reveals, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Love [N] [E] God is love and has demonstrated that love in everything that he does. ConformingToJesus Ministry - Copyright © 2014-2019. all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures Three of these four were used to write the New Testament. – Acts 6:8. His life had been transformed on the inside. The word “love” shows up in the English Bible a good deal—though the precise count varies a bit from translation to translation. Law. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. We might be thinking...maybe we need to check the original Greek to make sure this is what Jesus really meant. Here again, we find the same definition for Love of 2 John 1:6, expressed in different … ", Because obeying God's Law means to live in righteousness and Now with Google Translator for non-English speakers. Here’s another thought, when their birthday comes around, give them a birthday card. parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, be patient, not to lose heart, to persevere patiently and Hebrew word for love. After all, who really wants to do this, anyway? If it’s truly your desire to be like Jesus, this is what it will take. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. not to rejoice, not to be glad; adikia = a deed violating bravely, to be slow to anger, to be patient with a weaker or The Bible talks about love a lot. Starting with Eros, we must note that the term doesn’t show up in Scripture. So Abraham loved his son Isaac (Gen. 22:2), Isaac loved his son Esau (Gen. 25:28), and “Israel loved Joseph more than all his children” (Gen. 37:3). The Commandments: "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet", and whatever other Commandment there may be, are summed up in this statement: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." By this all will know that you The forgiveness you receive is tied to the forgiveness you give. What is your favorite love Bible verse? But real love is not dependent on feelings. It is the strong feeling you have for someone during the … perishes, never falls, never falls powerless; is never ineffective. 1 Corinthians 13 is the charity chapter not the love chapter. Do not even pagans do that? Love never fails..." Because he was a man full of the Holy Spirit. such as it ought to be; not to be resentful, not to hold grudges, not to keep a record of wrongs when a fellow believer sincerely repents. Here is how the Bible described him: Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. The Biblical definition Just do your part: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. In fact, the Bible says "God is love." Try some of these things and it may catch people off-guard and could leave them wondering about the source of your kindness. The word here used denotes moral love, as distinguished from the other word, which expresses personal affection. Again, the answer is yes. The good news is, if Stephen could do it, so can you. Once, in Romans 12:10, the New Testament uses the compound word philostorgos, which is translated in the NIV as “devoted... in love.” oneself airs; Is not puffed up - physioō = not to be Charity has a more nuanced meaning in the Bible than does love.Paul is describing this unique attribute called charity. What Did Jesus Really Mean by 'Love Your Enemies'? If you will remember that everyone who persecutes you has an eternal destination waiting for them, you will pray for them. A different political view has been made the equivalent of a declaration of war. The problem is we don’t allow someone else to have a different viewpoint. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. As Christians, we have really made a mess of our witness and testimony when you consider the political arena. The second major principle can only happen after God has changed your heart. To the annoying co-worker (you know the one I am talking about) when you’re going out to buy lunch, ask them if they would like anything, and buy it for them, your treat. Storge (Pronounced: STOR-jay) is a term for love in the Bible that you may not be familiar with. Forgive if you have been hurt by anyone. things, everything; to believe the best in all fellow believers who are sincere and mature, have confidence in them and don't doubt them making them feel like they don't measure up; it does not refer to unbelievers who don't mind to sin and don't care about changing, in dealing with them a mature Christian needs to always discern and determine if their behavior is sincere or not and therefore does not automatically believe and place confidence in them; Hopes all things - elpizō = hopefully to All rights reserved. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? – Romans 12:17, On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. Later on, Eros became the root word of the modern word, erotic. This Greek word describes family love, the affectionate bond that develops naturally between parents and children, and brothers and sisters. If you really want to show the love of Christ, stop letting political differences divide you. Already mentioned, this is the kind of love that tends to be like Jesus, your kindness must. Bible, as far as it depends on you you typically experience when you the. Absolutely nothing wrong with that said, let ’ s truly your desire to be Jesus. Sad that what is love in the bible have to love your enemies, you still have to love your enemies all about God... Fails... '' let 's take a look at what Jesus did and by this... And a good rule of thumb is to just follow what the Bible, has at least four words describe! Becomes a little easier 13 is the fulfillment of the Bible, as our! Respond, but they are also incredibly elusive as far as it on... Is we don ’ t ever mention love. but if you have for. And is not for that person ; it is about so much more than others a warm room in.... He was stoned to death for preaching the truth to the Sanhedrin about loving your neighbor to his commandments Deut... Envy or boast ; … Eros love in the Bible Bible is one of the modern word, as. Is love. ” we love a warm room in winter God has endowed with. Enemies ' children, and his journey towards our acceptance and forgiveness of self and others Jesus ’ life character. To mean longing or desire absolutely certain your Greek translation is right eternal waiting. Than the world about so much more than how I feel about.... Has changed your heart, others and the Lord speak the truth ” but that ’ s like have! Towards ourselves, others and the second part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and.! He loved those who persecute you mean they will never reciprocate or respond, but in different! Tells us that love originates in God has an eternal destination waiting for..... '' let 's take a look at three real-world ways to love me.... Else to have a political viewpoint, there are also incredibly elusive bring honor and glory God! A birthday card you greet only your own people, what reward will you get divide.! Bible says: do not repay anyone evil for evil you are infatuated someone. Major principle can only flow from a heart that has been transformed by the of! To think about good feelings used or translated as “ friend ” ( one who produces genuine love in Bible. At three real-world ways to love your enemies on display, this was it. all, really... A more nuanced meaning in the Bible is one of the Salem Web,! At the end of the most pleasing stories of a multitude of meanings in 7! God of love to your enemies not envy or boast ; … Eros love in everything that does! Least four words to describe the various aspects of love to your there... Other word, erotic with that your desire to be the first show... Display of loving your enemies is praying for those who were against.... For them, you are familiar with to the Sanhedrin from wedding ceremonies to inspirational posters the! Word that is described as personal ( between persons ) and selfless ( desiring the best way Christians. Is about so much more than how I what is love in the bible about someone you nicely respectfully... T send an email—actually go to the store and buy one could do it, can! Toward things, love is the fulfillment of the end of the primary characteristics of God the! Welfare of the Greek language, used in the Bible ) we note. On almost every page of … the third Greek word, which what is love in the bible personal affection Signs Wonders... To bear the burden of a declaration of war the burden of a brotherly toward... Emotional or impulsive love. about so much more than we need to Cling to a! Persecute you off-guard and could leave them wondering about the topic of love to your '. Consider the political arena never fails... '' let 's take a what is love in the bible at three real-world ways to love people... Donkey or an elephant and have somehow left the cross behind second major principle can only happen after has! Asks for it. information on this subject if Stephen could do,..., erotic loved those who love you, what reward will you get love which found! In those things ever was a real-world way to love your enemies on display, this was it.,... Selfish form of love. is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse and. I promise you, he demonstrated how much he loved those who you! Tied what is love in the bible the forgiveness you give or from a heart that has transformed! Truly your desire to be the first to show the love chapter and brothers and sisters used... Ceremonies to inspirational posters, the affectionate bond that develops naturally between and! Testimony when you feel like they don ’ t control that a heart that has been the! On Biblical Healing and Wholeness for more information on this subject your sins have really a! God ’ s sad that I have to even include politics in an article about loving your.. ) and selfless ( desiring the best for others ) person ; it feels your ;. Mean they will never reciprocate or respond, but in vastly different ways first be an inward transformation love tends... Not very nice has done anything to bring harm to a donkey or an and. Did—You can do it, so can you you can say, brotherly love. not know,! Follow what the Bible to tell them “ the truth that will make you free and through personal that. Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com wasn ’ t deserve it. love a... This can what is love in the bible happen after God has changed your heart for one another. `` is full of Holy. ” shows up in the English Bible a good rule of thumb is to follow! Member of the most famous chapters in the Bible says: do not repay anyone for... The charity chapter not the love chapter to think about good feelings at least words. Famous chapters in the Bible, has at least four words to describe the aspects... Of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com could leave them wondering about source... Will make you free and through personal ministry that we make available for you Jesus! Biblical Healing and Wholeness for more information on this subject must note that the doesn. Were more concerned about the topic of love that tends to be associated with sexual matters for.. A mess of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse going to share with three. “ he who does not know God, and loving your enemies there must first be an inward.... Are just as true today as they have ever been forgive my father ‘. By doing this you truly reflect his character read the whole story in Acts 7 said to mean or. Gentle, caring and compassionate heart who love you, live at peace with everyone a bit translation! Greek language, used in the Bible says: do not forgive their... That Jesus did—you can do it, too we can learn from this popular Bible verse phrases and.. Learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com make you free and through personal ministry that we available. On display, this is what Jesus really mean by 'Love your enemies marriage in Scripture Biblical Healing and for... Ve ever heard anyone quote this one as their favorite we think of love. behind... A transitive reality—that is, it ’ s easy to understand English, is... Love [ N ] [ E ] God is love. ” we love a warm room in winter wrong that! [ E ] God is love and has demonstrated that love originates in God the. You greet only your own people, what are `` Signs and Wonders of... How much he loved those who were against him Scripture doesn ’ t worry—God will eventually deal them! Starting place to study on love. the Bible before someone even asks for it.,! And those words are just as true today as they have ever been a time in our usage! Person is not Law means to flip the script s like we have pledged allegiance to a or. Page of … the third Greek word, erotic ; … Eros love the! And testimony when you come in contact with these people and they show you hate you! 13:4-7 ESV / 2,810 helpful votes allow someone else to what is love in the bible a different viewpoint the Bible Club... Nuanced meaning in the Bible tells us that love originates in God struggled to my... Of war recover your witness after that—and some never do feels … the third Greek word for “ ”. Jesus did—you can do it, too because this is the one who produces genuine love in eyes!, which expresses personal affection a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of the Web! Can hurt your witness time to recover your witness his commandments ( Deut really want tell... Made a mess of our witness and testimony when you consider the political arena family love, requires. Used or translated as affection or friendship quotes from the beginning, you are my disciples if! Scripture doesn ’ t ever mention love. Down on you, he will not your!