Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8292 love  »  8296 love, nature of

Scripture offers an understanding of the source, character and value of love, based on the nature and actions of God.

God is the source of love

His very character is love

1 John 4:7-8 See also 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:16,19

The love of God is revealed in the cross of Jesus Christ

1 John 3:16; John 4:10 See also John 15:13; Ephesians 5:2,25

Love is part of the Holy Spirit's fruit

Galatians 5:22 See also Romans 5:5; Romans 15:30; Colossians 1:8

The loving-kindness of God referred to in the OT

Jeremiah 31:3 See also Exodus 15:13; Exodus 34:6; 2 Chronicles 6:42; Psalm 6:4; Psalm 32:10; Psalm 51:1; Psalm 107:43; Isaiah 54:10; Isaiah 63:7; Lamentations 3:22; Hosea 2:19

The love of God in the NT

To describe God's love for humanity

John 3:16 See also John 5:42; John 15:10; Romans 8:39; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:4; Hebrews 12:6; 1 John 3:1

To describe love for God

Luke 10:27; John 14:21; John 21:15; Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 John 5:3

To describe brotherly love

John 13:35; Romans 13:8; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 2 Corinthians 8:8; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2; Philippians 1:9; Colossians 2:2; Phm 5

To describe love expressed by eating together

2 Peter 2:13 fn; Jude 12

To describe love in a negative sense

Luke 11:43; John 3:19; John 12:43; 2 Timothy 4:10; 2 Peter 2:15; 1 John 2:15

Characteristics of love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 See also Romans 12:9; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 4:18

Love is shown by deeds

1 John 3:17-18 See also John 14:15,23; Romans 5:8; Romans 14:15; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 4:9; John 5:2-3; 2Jn 6; 3Jn 5-6

The pre-eminence of love

1 Corinthians 13:13 See also Matthew 22:37-39 pp Mark 12:29-31; Romans 13:9-10; 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 3:17-19; Colossians 3:14; 2 Peter 1:7; 1 John 2:10

See also

1085  God, love of
2048  Christ, love of
3203  Holy Spirit & assurance
3209  Holy Spirit & love
3254  Holy Spirit, fruit of
5762  attitudes, God to people
6512  salvation, necessity & basis
6638  election
7115  children of God
8106  assurance
8122  friendship with God
8463  priority of faith, hope & love