The Power of Love: A Biblical Perspective
Love Endures—It Is Patient
1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (NKJV) tells us that "Love suffers long and is kind." The phrase "suffers long" (makrothymeō) means to be patient, to endure without retaliation, and to remain even-tempered in trying circumstances. True love, the love of God, is not reactive—it is responsive. It does not lash out in anger but remains steadfast, trusting in God's perfect plan.
Do we wait and meditate, or do we retaliate?
Colossians 3:12 (ESV) encourages us to clothe ourselves with "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Patience is not merely waiting—it is the strength to trust God’s timing. It reflects spiritual maturity and a deep reliance on Him. When we grow impatient, we often try to take control, but true love surrenders control to the One who holds all things together.
James 5:7–8 (ESV) provides an illustration: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth…" Just as a farmer trusts the process, we must learn to extend grace instead of demanding our own timing. When we rush ahead, we may miss the beauty of what God is growing in us through seasons of waiting.
Ask yourself: Do I extend grace, or do I demand my own timing?
Love Acts—It Is Kind
Love is not just about avoiding harm—it is about intentionally doing good. The Greek word "chresteuetai" means to be good, kind, and useful. Love is not passive; it is proactive, seeking opportunities to reflect the character of Christ in action.
Galatians 6:10 (ESV) instructs us, "As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone." The opportunities to show kindness are all around us—whether through a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or a sacrifice of time. Luke 6:35 (ESV) further commands us to love our enemies and do good, expecting nothing in return, because God Himself is kind to the ungrateful and evil. This is a high calling—to love even when it is undeserved, just as God loves us.
Kindness is the language of love in action. When we love as Christ loves, we become instruments of His grace in a world that desperately needs it.
Ask yourself: Am I generous in love, or just avoiding conflict?
Love Celebrates Others—It Is Not Envious
“Love does not envy” (zēlŏō) means love rejoices in others' success rather than resenting it. Romans 12:15 (ESV) calls us to "rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Envy stems from insecurity and a lack of trust in God’s provision, while love finds joy in the blessings of others.
Envy corrodes the soul with comparison, but contentment fills the heart with peace and gratitude. Proverbs 14:30 (NLT)warns, "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones." When we learn to trust that God’s plan for our lives is good, we can celebrate others without feeling threatened.
Ask yourself: Do I compare myself to others, or trust God’s plan for me?
Love Walks in Humility—It Is Not Proud
Love "is not arrogant or rude." The Greek word "phusiŏō" means to be puffed up. Love is about humility, selflessness, and lifting others up rather than inflating one’s own pride.
Philippians 2:3–4 (NLT) teaches, "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." Jesus humbled Himself, and we must follow His example. The world promotes self-exaltation, but Christ calls us to a love that seeks to serve, not to be served.
G.K. Chesterton warns of a dangerous shift in humility: Instead of doubting themselves and working harder, people today doubt truth itself, leading to inaction. True humility pushes us to work harder in service to others, rather than questioning the very foundation of our faith.
Philippians 2:5–8 (NLT) reminds us that Jesus gave up His divine privileges and humbled Himself even to the point of death on the cross. If Christ, the King of Kings, humbled Himself to serve, how much more should we?
Ask yourself: Do I serve to be seen, or to honor Christ?
Love Is Selfless—It Does Not Seek Its Own
Love "does not seek its own" (zētĕō) means it prioritizes others’ needs above personal desires. 1 John 3:16 (NLT) tells us, "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."
Selfishness drains love of its power, but true love is strengthened through sacrifice. Jesus modeled this by coming to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28 (NLT)). The world teaches us to seek our own interests first, but biblical love lays down personal desires for the good of others. It is not about what we can gain, but what we can give.
Ask yourself: Am I living to give or to gain?
The Call to Love
As we study God’s Word about love, specifically agape love, let the Holy Spirit reveal that this is not just the love we are called to walk in—it is the love God has for us. His love is patient, kind, humble, selfless, and sacrificial. Love is not merely a feeling or a word—it is the very nature of God expressed through us.
1 John 4:19 (ESV) reminds us, "We love because He first loved us." The more we understand His love, the more we are transformed to love as He loves.
Let us embrace this love and extend it to those around us, knowing that in doing so, we reflect the very heart of God.
