Biblical Answer

The Bible speaks about love in a way that is distinct from how we often understand love. While we may think of love as a feeling that comes and goes, Scripture speaks about love as a responsibility that should be practiced even if those feelings of affection and passion are not present. This is evident in the way that Scripture describes love as a state of the will, rather than an emotion. For example, the Bible says that love is without hypocrisy (Rom 12:9; 2 Cor 6:6; 1 Pet 1:22), works no ill for others (Rom 13:10), and will lay down its life for another (Jn 15:13). These descriptions of love emphasize its practical and moral aspects, rather than its emotional or sentimental aspects.

The Bible also teaches that love is closely tied to obedience to God's commands. For example, Jesus teaches that loving one's neighbor as oneself is the second greatest commandment (Matt 22:39). The Bible also says that love for God is expressed in moral obedience (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10). This means that love is not just a feeling or a sentiment, but a commitment to act in accordance with God's will. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of loving one's enemies, and this is seen as a reflection of God's love (Matt 5:43-48). This means that love is not just a feeling, but a choice to act in a certain way, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.

The Bible also teaches that love is a key aspect of the Christian life. Jesus teaches that his followers are to love one another as he has loved them (John 15:12), and the apostle John writes that God is love (1 John 4:8). The Bible also says that love is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22), and that it is a hallmark of a mature Christian (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). This means that love is not just a feeling, but a way of living that reflects the character of God. It is a love that is first pure, then peaceable, and it pleads with others to be reconciled to God (James 3:17). As believers, we are instructed to walk in this kind of love, and to demonstrate it in our relationships with others.