Biblical Answer

Understanding Love as a Choice

From the Bible's perspective, the concept of volitional love suggests that love is a choice, not simply a feeling. This idea is reinforced by Jesus' command to "Love one another" (John 13:34, emphasis added), where the emphasis is on the verb "love" rather than the intensity of the feeling. In other words, love is not just a natural response, but a deliberate decision to act lovingly, even when it requires sacrifice or difficulty.

The Nature of Choice

The Bible teaches that our choices are not simply a product of our feelings or circumstances, but rather a reflection of our will and character. As C.S. Lewis writes, "The controlling love becomes quite evident when a confrontation comes. When the best interest of another or ourselves and the best interest of God come into conflict, love must make a choice" (emphasis added). This means that love is not just a passive feeling, but an active decision that requires us to choose between different options and priorities.

The Importance of Choosing Love

In a world where love can be fleeting and conditional, the Bible's emphasis on love as a choice is a powerful reminder of the importance of commitment and dedication. As Lewis notes, "Unless we are willing to rob humans entirely of their freedom, we must admit that love is a choice, not just a feeling" (emphasis added). By choosing to love, we are not only demonstrating our love for others, but also our love for God and our commitment to living according to His will. This choice requires us to prioritize others' interests and needs over our own, and to serve and look out for their well-being (Gal. 5:13b14; Phil. 2:3). Ultimately, choosing love is a fundamental aspect of living a life that reflects Christian values and teachings.