Biblical Answer

Can Love be a Choice?

Love is often viewed as an intense emotional feeling, but the Bible teaches that love is a choice. In John 13:34, Jesus says, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This command is not a feeling, but a decision to act in a certain way. Love is not just a feeling, but a choice to put the interests and needs of others first, even when it's hard.

The Bible teaches that love is a choice because it is not based on how we feel, but on what we decide to do. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul writes, "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." These characteristics are not feelings, but choices we make.

In the Bible, we see examples of people who chose to love, even when it was hard. For example, in the story of Ruth, Ruth chooses to love her mother-in-law, Naomi, even though she has been widowed and is in a foreign land. Ruth's love is not based on how she feels, but on her decision to put Naomi's needs first. This is the kind of love that the Bible teaches, a love that is a choice, not just a feeling. As we learn to love in this way, we will become more like Jesus and will be able to love others in a way that is pleasing to Him.