Definition: Love

A major hurdle in logic is that of definition. To truly understand each other we have to try and arrive at a common understanding of the elements we are discussing before we can really share a conclusion. The problem of definition is commonly present when we quote John 3:16 to people:

“For God so loved (Agape) the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16 NIV

We sometimes run into the problem that people's definitions of "love" vary so greatly. Depending on the definition you use, this this passage could take on a wide variety of meanings. Having watched television lately, some peoples idea of love may be kind of scary to consider!

Of course, the real meaning in this passage is what God intends when He says "Love". The word underlying Love in this passage is "Agape". So to find what this passage means we have to find out what God means by "Love/Agape".

Some might want to use a definition out of a Greek textbook, but we're in luck! We don't need man's analysis because God gave us His definition of what Agape means right in the New Testament. That definition is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, (commonly called, "The Love Chapter".)

“But eagerly desire the greater gifts.
And now I will show you the most excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love (Agape), I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love (Agape), I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love (Agape), I gain nothing.

Love (Agape) is patient, love (Agape) is kind. It (Agape) does not envy, it (Agape) does not boast, it (Agape) is not proud. It (Agape) is not rude, it (Agape) is not self-seeking, it (Agape) is not easily angered, it (Agape) keeps no record of wrongs. Love (Agape) does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It (Agape) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love (Agape) never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love (Agape). But the greatest of these is love (Agape).”
- 1 Corinthian 12:31-13:13


Accept no human reasoning, use God's definition of Love! Now, let’s diagram the key points of this definition, if only very simply:

Love (Agape) Is:

Patient
Kind

Love (Agape):

Keeps no record of wrongs
Rejoices with the Truth

Love (Agape) Is Not:

Proud
Rude
Self-seeking
Easily angered

Love (Agape) Always:

Protects
Trusts
Hopes
Perseveres

Love (Agape) Does Not:
Envy
Boast
Delight in Evil

God tells you what His Love is and what it isn’t. He tells you what Love does and what Love does not do. Frankly, God's Love is very extreme! As is often the case, God’s perfection is simple, but impossibly difficult.

Love, to God, is an all encompassing, all forgiving, perfect Love. Doesn't it give you chills knowing that the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty feels that Love for you right this moment?

Now hold onto that big warm fuzzy while you consider this: WE are ALSO commanded to Love just the same way God Loves us. WE are to Love with Agape! Scared yet? Take a look at this small sampling of the commands:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…”

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

“love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,”

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,…”

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

“We love because he first loved us.”

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.”

If your heart just dropped and your mind just said, “It’s too much! I can’t do that!” then congratulations! You understand these commands. If you aren’t overwhelmed, then you missed the scale of what's being commanded. This is a command and an overwhelming load that no human can possibly bear alone.

Praise God! We are not alone! We can do these things to the extent that we allow God to do these things through us. As Paul and John said so clearly:

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
- Philippians 4:13 NIV

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
- 1 John 4:7