This question is at once incredibly simple and one of the most profound and important we can ever ask. We see it on greeting cards, in movies, and in songs. But what does it truly mean to love? And why does it matter?

The reason this question is so vital is found in the words of Jesus himself, in Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV). He said:

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Jesus commands us to love God and to love our neighbor. But if this is a command, we need to know what it actually means to love. Fortunately, the Bible gives us a very clear, beautiful, and direct answer.

The Definition of Love

The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV), gives us a perfect definition of what love looks like in action. He says:

“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.”

Breakdown

Let’s break down each of these points because they truly show us how we are called to live.

Love is patient: This is about having a long fuse. It means we don’t rush to judgment and we are willing to wait on others and on God’s timing.

Love is kind: This is an active word. It means we are generous with our actions and our words. We are gentle and compassionate.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud: This is all about humility. Love isn’t about comparing ourselves to others or trying to make ourselves look better.

It does not dishonor others: Love respects the dignity and worth of every person, no matter who they are.

It is not self-seeking: Love doesn’t always put its own needs first. It’s about considering the needs of others before our own.

It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs: Love is forgiving. It doesn’t hold grudges or use past mistakes against people.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth: Love stands for what is right, and it celebrates when truth prevails.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres: These are incredibly powerful statements. Love doesn’t give up on people. It’s resilient, it believes the best, it hopes for the best, and it endures.

Love Never Fails

We live in a world that is so full of hate, division, and conflict. It’s easy to get discouraged and feel like things will never get better. But I truly believe that if we, as Christians and as people, would actually live out the true definition of love, we could change the trajectory of our world.

The last thing Paul says about love in the next verse is a statement that is full of hope and a promise for us all:

“Love never fails.”