What is Love?

Valentine's Day is a day we set aside to show people that we love them. But does it really mean anthing special when it is expected? What about a surprising gift or act of love throughout the year? Doesn't that mean more than the expected one?

I was wondering what the Bible says about love. Here's what I found.

LET THE LOVE OF GOD GLOW

1. First, there is agape love, which is the highest form of love, God's love.

As the Father hath loved me,  so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (Jesus spoke in John 15:9)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 
(Rom. 5:8)

I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Rom. 8:38-39)

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  (1John 3:2)

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  (1John 4:16)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  (Galatians 5:22-23)


LET THE LOVE OF GOD GROW

2.  Second, there is phileo love, which is brotherly love. These verses are listed under agape love, which we are to show to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.  (Ephesians 4:2)

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.  (Ephesians 5:2)

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.  (Matthew 5:44)

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  (John 15:12-13)

3.  Third, there is phileo love, which is brotherly love shown to each other.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous; Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing: knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  (1Peter 3:8-9)

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. 
(Romans 12:10)

Let brotherly love continue.  (Hebrews 13:1)

By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.  (1 Peter 1:22 CSB)

1 Corinthians 13:7 says that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love has no limits. All things means everything is included; it forgives unconditionally, by bearing all things; when provoked, love endures all things; it never looses hope in the one you love. When God loves people through you, this is the only kind of love He has!  (Blackaby)

Am I loving others in all circumstances, unconditionally, inspite of them?

LET THE LOVE OF GOD GO

Walk with God's love in my heart this week.

Let it go out to others, loving them unconditionally.

Lots of love is sent your way today, sweet friends. May God bless you with an over flow of His love.