True love is difficult to define, but from a Christian standpoint, love is best understood through scripture. In fact, one of the most sought-after themes in the Bible is the definition of love.
Bible verses about loving others
Christ declared that love is the cornerstone of faith – we are first to love God, and then share this love with one another- this is the new commandment, that the disciples of Christ will be known by how much they love each other (John 13:34-35). However, loving others is not just to be restricted to the community of faith. Christ teaches that we are to love our neighbors – the parable of the Good Samaritan reveals that this is to include those who are unloved and despised by society. We are also to love our enemies – those who have wronged us and hate us. Here we are to give (both financially and of our time) without necessarily expecting anything back (Luke 6:27-36).
Jesus announces a new commandment – that we love on another – John 13:34-35 (WEB)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Paul exhorts us to love each other with brotherly affection – Romans 12:9-10 (BBE)
“Let love be without deceit. Be haters of what is evil; keep your minds fixed on what is good. Be kind to one another with a brother’s love, putting others before yourselves in honour…”
We are to keep short accounts with each other – Colossians 3:12-15 (WEB)
“Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Pauls’s prayer for the church in Thessalonica – 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (BBE)
“And the Lord give you increase of love in fullest measure to one another and to all men, even as our love to you”
An exhortation to love each other – Hebrews 13:1 (BBE)
“Go on loving your brothers in the faith.”
1 Peter 4:8 (CPDB)
“But, before all things, have a constant mutual charity among yourselves. For love covers a multitude of sins.”
Our love is to imitate the love of Christ – 1 John 3:16 (NIV)
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