Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches that love is multifaceted and can be described in various ways. One way to understand love is to look at its characteristics, which are described in Scripture. Love is without hypocrisy (Rom 12:9; 2 Cor 6:6; 1 Pet 1:22), works no ill for others (Rom 13:10), will lay down its life for another (Jn 15:13), and takes the servant's role (Cor. 13:4-7; Heb. 10:24). God himself gives us his love to enable us to love each other (John 17:26; Rom. 5:5). Moreover, our love for our enemies especially reflects God's love (Matt. 5:43-48). As believers, we are instructed to walk in this kind of love, which reflects the character of God and is first pure, then peaceable (James 3:17). It also pleads for what is right and is not easily provoked (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

The Bible also describes love in terms of its relationship to the law. The commands of Scripture indicate how love will behave, and we see that love is not just a feeling but a commitment to obey God's law. The Ten Commandments (Rom 13:8-9) summarize the moral obligations of love, and Jesus quotes Leviticus 19:18, which says "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," in a fuller form (Matt. 19:19 and 22:39). The commandment to love is a prominent theme in Jesus' teaching, and it is exemplified in his life and teachings. Genuine love is characterized by truth and purity, and it does not embrace that which runs contrary to reality or the law of God.

In addition to its characteristics and relationship to the law, the Bible also teaches that love is demonstrated through our actions and attitudes. Love is a choice that we make every day, and it is not just a feeling. It involves sacrificing ourselves for the benefit of others (1 Cor. 13:4-7), rejoicing with the truth (1 Cor. 13:6), and being loyal to God and others. The Bible teaches that love is not just a sentimental feeling, but a moral obligation that is rooted in our relationship with God. As believers, we are called to show love to others, even to our enemies, and to demonstrate the love of God in our lives. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and demonstrate our commitment to following Jesus.