Drink from The Well

What is love? In the postmodern world that we live in today, you might get various responses to this question. Some believe that love is a feeling—a fleeting, intense emotion that comes and goes. Others believe love is earned and transactional, operating on a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” principle: if you love me, then I will love you in return. The Bible, on the other hand, teaches the opposite of this. If you believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, then it should inform your definition of what love is. Biblical love (specifically agape love) is defined not by emotion, but by action and commitment. It is a choice, not a feeling. It transcends circumstances, enduring through hardship and ease. And profoundly, the Bible teaches us that this kind of love is costly.

The Definition and Description of Love.

The Apostle Paul provides the most famous, comprehensive description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”  This passage paints a picture of a love that is active, enduring, and focused entirely on the well-being of the other person. It describes a character, not a mood. Furthermore, Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “a friend loves at all times,” emphasizing the steadfast, non-transactional nature of true companionship and affection.

The Ultimate Demonstration: God’s love.

We learn that love was one of the reasons why Jesus came into the world. The very foundation of the Christian faith is rooted in the boundless love of God the Father. John 3:16 provides the most succinct statement on God’s demonstration of love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This single verse establishes that God’s love is sacrificial (“gave his only Son”), universal (“loved the world”), and eternal (offering “eternal life”). However, the greatest demonstration of love in the world was God sending his Son to die for us sinners. Romans 5:8 powerfully illustrates the nature of this costly, non-transactional love: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is love that is undeserved and unconditional. We did not earn it; we were, in fact, God’s enemies. Yet, at our worst, He gave His best. This is the model of agape love: choosing to act for the good of another, even when they cannot reciprocate and do not deserve it.

The Example of Jesus: the greatest love.

Jesus exemplified this love throughout His ministry, ultimately culminating in the cross. He taught His disciples—and us—what true love looks like. In John 15:13, Jesus sets the highest standard for human love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus didn’t just speak this; He lived it. His entire life was one of sacrificial service, culminating in His death, the ultimate act of laying down His life—not just for His friends, but for all who would believe. This act was the ultimate expression of His commitment to humanity, a choice made in obedience to the Father’s will and out of perfect love for us.

The Believer’s Mandate: sharing the love.

So, as believers in Jesus, how are we to respond to this overwhelming, undeserved love? We are called to love one another with the same commitment Christ showed us (John 13:34-35). But what is the most loving act we can perform? If God’s love provided the cure for our spiritual cancer of sin and eternal death, then the most loving thing we can do is to share this good news with those God brings into our lives. It is like having the cure for cancer and refusing to share it with others. The news of salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate life-saving message, and I am convinced that sharing it IS THE GREATEST ACT OF LOVE. It does not only affect people now—by giving them hope, peace, and purpose—but it also affects them for eternity by reconciling them to God.

So, what’s love got to do with it? EVERYTHING! Biblical love is not a soft sentiment; it is a hard choice, a selfless action, and a life-altering gift. It compels us to live and speak in a way that reflects the costly, self-sacrificing love of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Loved Moved First by Casting Crowns