What Did Jesus Say About Love
Today we will talk about what did Jesus say about love. Love is one of the most discussed topics in the Bible, and for good reason. Love has the power to shape our relationships, guide our actions, and influence our lives in powerful ways. Many Christians may wonder what Jesus truly meant when He spoke of love. Was it just a warm feeling we have for others? Is it something tangible we can practice every day? As we read through God’s word, let’s reflect on the teachings of Jesus about love, explore its meanings, and understand the expectations He placed upon us as His followers. Our goal is to gain insight and practical understanding of how to love better in our everyday lives.
1. The Greatest Commandment
In Jesus’ teachings, one of the foundational aspects of love is its central position in our spiritual lives. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus summed it up beautifully in Matthew 22:37-39: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Here, Jesus emphasizes that our love for God should be profound and all-encompassing, while our love for others is equally important.
The Hebrew word for love is “Ahavah” (אַהֲבָה), which denotes a deep affection and commitment, reflecting how God loves us unconditionally. In Greek, the word used is “agape,” which signifies selfless, unconditional love that goes beyond feelings. Jesus exemplified agape love by sacrificing Himself for humanity, showing us that love is not just about words, but about actions that demonstrate our devotion.
This commandment challenges us to prioritize our love for God above everything else. When we invest time in loving God wholeheartedly, our capacity to love others expands exponentially. It’s like a ripple effect; the more we seek to engage with God’s love, the more authentically we can express love toward our neighbors. Moreover, loving ourselves in a healthy way is crucial; if we don’t recognize our own worth, it becomes difficult to extend love to those around us.
Jesus’ greatest commandment teaches us that love is not optional—it is essential. It calls us not only to love our friends and family but also our enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This radical love transcends all barriers and challenges us to reflect the heart of God in a broken world.
2. Love in Action
Love is also portrayed through action in Jesus’ ministry. In John 13:34-35, he offers a new command: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of demonstrating our faith through loving actions toward each other, underscoring that love is not just a sentiment but should be visible and active in our lives.
The biblical understanding of love is filled with practical implications; love can be shown through acts of kindness, patience, and service. For example, in Matthew 25:40, Jesus acknowledges acts done in His name, stating: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This verse reminds us how our interactions with others hold intrinsic value, especially towards those who may be marginalized or struggling.
Furthermore, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians offers clarity about love’s character in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This scriptural passage is often recited in weddings and serves as a reminder of how love behaves—free from ego and full of grace. When we embody these qualities, we honor Jesus’ teachings on love.
3. The Role of Love in Forgiveness
Another key element Jesus stressed regarding love is its relationship with forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15, He reinforces that forgiveness is an essential practice for those who love. He teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” This vital connection reveals that love and forgiveness are intertwined; genuine love cannot exist without the willingness to forgive.
The idea of forgiving others can be challenging, especially when someone has deeply hurt us. However, Jesus models forgiveness throughout His life. In Luke 23:34, as He was being crucified, He uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” By demonstrating forgiveness even in His moment of suffering, He sets a powerful example for us and highlights how love encompasses grace and mercy.
Moreover, forgiveness isn’t just about the other person—it’s about our spiritual wellbeing too. Holding onto anger and resentment can lead to bitterness that affects both our hearts and our relationships. Jesus invites us to soften our hearts and release those burdens through the act of forgiveness, allowing us to love more freely and fully.
4. Love as a Mark of Discipleship
Jesus taught that authentic love is the hallmark of His disciples. In John 15:12-13, He states: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Here, Jesus defines true love as sacrificial. When we put the needs of others above our own comfort, we emulate the love of Christ.
This sacrificial aspect of love is significant in how it shapes our identities as followers of Christ. In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and ambition, the call to love sacrificially invites us to step outside of ourselves. When we actively choose to love, even when it is inconvenient or challenging, we reflect God’s love to the world.
Additionally, John further asserts in 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” This divine love is not just for us to experience but is meant to overflow into our relationships with others. By recognizing and accepting God’s love for us, we move from a place of being loved into embodying love towards others, creating a beautiful cycle of grace.
5. Love and Obedience
Love and obedience to God’s commands often go hand in hand in Jesus’ teachings. In John 14:15, He expresses, “If you love me, keep my commands.” This connection suggests that true love for Him will manifest through our willingness to follow His ways. Our obedience to God’s word stems from a place of love, demonstrating our desire not only to serve Him but also to cultivate a relationship that is rich and rewarding.
Moreover, Jesus’ challenge invites us to assess our own lives. Are we merely expressing love with our words, or are we living it out through our actions and choices? The sincerity of our love is often tested through obedience. This doesn’t mean we will be perfect, but it encourages us to strive towards aligning our lives with His teachings, which ultimately fosters deeper love for both God and others.
In 1 John 5:3, we find clarity in this connection: “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” It reminds us that love isn’t a heavy load but rather a joyful undertaking when rooted in relationship with the Father. We grow in our capacity to love as we engage with Him and allow His spirit to illuminate our paths.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on what Jesus said about love, we realize that love is a complex, yet essential part of our faith. It begins with a deep love for God which then flows into how we treat others. Love is not merely a feeling; it is a commitment reinforced by actions, forgiveness, and selflessness. By following Jesus’ greatest commandments, we learn that love is both a challenge and a blessing. Each of us has the opportunity to express this love, not only to our friends and families but also to everyone around us, even our enemies.
As we navigate life, let’s remember that love is the hallmark of our discipleship. Whether through our forgiveness, our choices to serve, or our obedience to God’s commands, we are called to be vessels of love. May we strive to reflect Christ’s love in our daily interactions and grow closer to Him as we embrace this divine calling. In doing so, we bring the light of love to a world that so desperately needs it.
Ultimately, as we continue to explore this topic and seek to love like Jesus, let’s encourage one another on this journey, sharing the love that Christ first poured out on us. Let our lives be a testimony of the love we profess, elevating our communities, our families, and ourselves in the process.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4