By Pastor Doug Stauffer
Many people naturally turn their attention toward love and relationships every February. Many couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with cards, chocolates, flowers, and other romantic gestures. What does the Bible say about love? More importantly, how does God define love?
Love Is Giving
The most well-known verse in Scripture, John 3:16, provides a foundational definition of love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Love, as demonstrated by God, is selfless and sacrificial. It is giving, not for personal gain, but for the good of others. God’s ultimate gift of His Son is the highest expression of love—a love that seeks the salvation of souls.
Love is giving without expecting anything in return. Consider Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” True love seeks the welfare of others, as exemplified by God’s ultimate gift to mankind.
Love Is Sacrificial
The story of Ruth is a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. Ruth’s decision to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, even after the death of her husband, shows a love that goes beyond mere obligation. Ruth declared: “Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Her selfless devotion not only provided Naomi with companionship but also led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Love Is Forgiving
The parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke chapter 15, illustrates another vital aspect of love: forgiveness. When the wayward son returns home, his father runs to meet him, embraces him, and restores him to his place in the family. Despite the son’s failures, the father’s love never wavered. His response to the prodigal reflects God’s boundless mercy and grace.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This verse, along with many others, underscores the forgiving nature of God’s love. Just as the father in the parable forgave his son, God stands ready to forgive all who repent and trust wholly in His Son for the forgiveness of sins. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13).
Love Is Enduring
The King James Bible uses the word “charity” in First Corinthians chapter 13 to describe the enduring nature of love: “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up” (1 Corinthians 13:4). While the modern concept of charity often refers to acts of kindness, the biblical term encompasses a deeper, enduring love that reflects God’s nature.
The Bible continues by describing charity even further. This magnitude of love does not give up but “beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, and endureth all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). It is not based on fleeting emotions but a commitment to act in the best interest of others—regardless of the cost. Love is a choice, not a mere emotion.
Love Is Eternal
God’s love is not confined to time. Jeremiah 31:3 declares: “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” God’s love is eternal and unchanging, providing a firm foundation for our lives. As we reflect on love this Valentine’s season, let us remember that God’s love is the standard by which all love should be measured.
May we strive to reflect God’s giving, sacrificial, forgiving, enduring, and eternal love in our interactions with others. Let us not be content with superficial expressions of affection but seek to embody the kind of love that transforms lives and glorifies our Creator. This February 2025 (Valentine’s month), remember that true love is found in the example of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Be a loving example to a world where love grows ever colder. Choose to make a difference!
Dr. Doug Stauffer is pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church. He was saved July 6, 1980, in Niceville, while stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base and has now been in the ministry for over 35 years.
