What Is True Love According to the Bible – Agape Love

The world talks a lot about love, so it can be easy to get confused. We hear about love in songs and see it in movies. We all hope to have it in our lives. But what is love, really? As followers of Christ, we can find the best answer in the Bible. This article will help us understand what is true love according to the bible. This love is so pure and strong that it has a special name: agape.

We will look at the Bible together. This is not just a school lesson. It is a way to get closer to God’s heart. The Bible says that God is love. To understand true love, we must understand who God is. Our goal is to see the deep, giving, and life-changing love God has for us. It is the love He asks us to share with others. This is the love that saves us, heals us, and gives our lives real meaning.

More in Bible Category

What the Bible Teaches About Suicide

What Does It Mean to Fear God in the Bible

Who Saw God Face to Face in the Bible

What Are the Different Types of Love Mentioned in the Bible?

To see how deep biblical love is, it helps to know that the Greek language of the New Testament had a few words for “love.” This shows us how special God’s love is.

What is Eros and Storge Love?

• Eros: This is romantic or passionate love. This word isn’t in the New Testament, but the idea is there in the context of marriage. It is a love based on feeling and attraction.
• Storge: This is family love. It is the natural bond between parents and kids or between brothers and sisters. It is a love that feels safe and normal.

What is Philia, or Brotherly Love?

• Philia: This is the love of a good friend. It is a warm and loyal love between people who share the same values. It is a very important part of life.

What is Agape, or God’s Unconditional Love?

• Agape: This is the highest kind of love. It is very different from the others. Agape love is not based on feelings or what you have in common. It is a selfless, giving, and unconditional love. It is a love you choose to give. This is the kind of love God has for us.

What Is True Love According to the Bible, and Why Is Agape So Special?

Agape love is the foundation of our Christian faith. It is special because it comes from God Himself, not from human feelings. 1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love (agape).”

So, what does this love look like?

• It is Unconditional: Agape love does not change based on the person who receives it. God loves us because He is good, not because we are good. Romans 5:8 shows this well: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He did not wait for us to be perfect. He loved us just as we were.
• It is Sacrificial: This love is about giving, not getting. The most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, defines agape love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” True love gives its very best for someone else.
• It is an Action: This love is proven by what it does. It is a love that serves, helps, and forgives. It is a choice to want the best for another person, no matter what it costs. This is the core of what is true love according to the bible.

How Does 1 Corinthians 13 Describe What Is True Love According to the Bible?

The Apostle Paul gives us the best description of agape love in 1 Corinthians 13. This is often called “the love chapter.” It shows us what this divine love looks like in real life.

Paul says that even if we have great faith or do great things, without love, we are nothing. Love is what makes every other gift important. Then, he shows us what love in action looks like.

How is Agape Love Patient and Kind?

“Love is patient, love is kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Patience means you can put up with wrongs without getting mad. It is being slow to anger. Kindness is love in action. It is looking for ways to be good and helpful to others. It is a gentle spirit. When we ask what is true love according to the bible, it starts here.

Why Does True Love Not Envy or Boast?

“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Envy is wanting what others have. But agape love is happy for other people. It does not compete. Boasting and pride are about making ourselves look good. But true love is humble. It lifts others up. A heart full of God’s love has no room for pride.

How Does Love Behave Itself?

“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

• It does not dishonor others: Love is always respectful. It is not rude.
• It is not self-seeking: Agape love puts others first. It asks, “What is best for you?” not “What’s in it for me?”
• It is not easily angered: This love is calm. It does not get mad over every little thing.
• It keeps no record of wrongs: This is very hard. Agape love chooses to forgive and let go. It does not hold on to past mistakes.

What Is the Positive Focus of Agape Love?

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:6-7)

Love is not happy about evil or gossip. Instead, it is happy about truth and goodness. Then we see four strong words about love. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. This means it never gives up. This is a strong love.

How Does God’s Love Demonstrate What Is True Love According to the Bible?

The whole Bible is the story of God’s agape love for people. We see a God who follows, saves, and loves His people with a love that never ends.

How is Jesus the Perfect Picture of Agape Love?

The best example of this love is Jesus Christ. Jesus is agape love in human form. He is a perfect picture of 1 Corinthians 13.

• He was patient with his friends, who often did not understand him.
• He was kind to people others looked down on.
• He was not proud. He washed his friends’ feet like a servant.
• He was not self-seeking. He gave up heaven for us.
• He was not easily angered, even when people lied about him.
• He kept no record of wrongs. He prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them.”

For a deeper theological look into the nature of God’s love, a resource like the one from Calvin Theological Seminary can provide valuable insights.

What Is the Ultimate Example of What Is True Love According to the Bible?

The cross is the best answer. There is no greater example of love. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, chose to die for us. He died for the same people who sinned against Him. This is how we should measure all love.

When we are not sure what love is, we should look to the cross. It is the final word. It shows that true love gives, it costs something, and it is for people who do not deserve it.

How Can We Live Out Agape Love in Our Daily Lives?

It is good to read about agape love, but God calls us to live it. We cannot make this kind of love on our own. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As we get closer to God, He works in our hearts. He gives us the power to love like He does.

How Can I Love My Enemies as the Bible Commands?

This is a hard command from Jesus. In Matthew 5:44, He says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This is not possible with human love. Only with God’s agape love can we do this. It starts with a choice, not a feeling. We can choose to pray for them. We can choose not to get even. This kind of love shows the world that God is real.

How Does Agape Love Transform Our Relationships?

When we love with agape, it changes everything.

• In Marriage: It means you choose to serve your spouse, even when you don’t feel like it. It means you forgive and put their needs first.
• In Family: It means being patient with your kids and showing grace to your parents.
• In Church: It means you put up with each other’s faults and build each other up.
• In the World: It means being kind to the store clerk and honest at your job. It means sharing the good news with a loving heart.

What Is True Love According to the Bible for A Final Word on God’s Perfect Love

The journey to understand what is true love according to the bible leads us back to God. His love is perfect, and it never fails. You can’t do anything to make Him love you more or less. His love is based on who He is, not on what you do.

Let this truth sink into your heart. Let it wash away your fears. You are loved by the God who made everything. As you accept that love, let it flow from you to others. That is our highest calling and our greatest joy.

FAQ – What Is True Love According to the Bible