What Is Love? A Biblical Definition Contrary to the World’s View

Love is one of the most commonly used—and misused—words in contemporary culture. The world often defines love as a feeling: a fleeting emotion associated with pleasure, romance, or personal happiness. This perspective, while popularized by media and embraced in daily life, is fundamentally different from the definition given in Scripture. According to the Bible, love is not primarily an emotion, though it can include emotional expression. Rather, it is an act of will, a moral commitment, and a reflection of the very character of God.

1. Love as Defined by God, Not Culture

The world’s view of love is typically self-centered, conditional, and dependent on circumstances or mutual benefit. For example, romantic relationships are often sustained only as long as both parties “feel in love.” This leads to a fragile form of love that dissolves when emotions fade or difficulties arise. By contrast, the Bible portrays love as steadfast, sacrificial, and rooted in covenant rather than convenience.

1 John 4:8 declares, “God is love.”

This short but profound statement reveals that love is not merely something God does—it is who He is. Any attempt to understand love apart from God will fall short. The source and standard of true love is not human sentiment, but divine nature.

2. Love Is Action-Oriented, Not Emotion-Driven

In Scripture, love is consistently presented as something we do, not merely something we feel. Jesus stated the greatest commandments are to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39).

These are commands, not suggestions—implying that love is a choice and a responsibility, not a spontaneous emotion.

The famous passage in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 offers a clear picture of what love looks like in action:

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

Here, the apostle Paul describes love (translated as charity in the KJV) with verbs and attitudes, not feelings. Love is defined by patience, humility, endurance, and truth—not by personal gratification or emotional stimulation. Biblical love costs something. It bears burdens, forgives offenses, and seeks the good of others, often without receiving anything in return.

3. Love Is Rooted in Sacrifice

The ultimate expression of biblical love is found in the cross of Christ. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This love was not drawn out of God because of our attractiveness or worthiness. It was extended while we were still in rebellion against Him.

This sacrificial aspect of love is echoed in Jesus’ own words: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Love, in the biblical sense, means putting another’s highest good before your own comfort, even to the point of self-denial or death. It is a commitment to act for the benefit of others regardless of emotional inclination or personal cost.

4. Love Flows from a Regenerated Heart

Biblical love is not natural to the fallen human condition. According to Galatians 5:22, love is a fruit of the Spirit, meaning it is a result of divine transformation. The capacity to love others in a God-honoring way comes from the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life.

This is why Jesus could command His disciples to love not only their neighbors, but even their enemies (Matthew 5:44). Such love is not based on reciprocity or mutual affection, but on the nature of God being formed in the believer. This makes Christian love unique and distinct from worldly love, which rarely extends beyond those who are lovable or likable.

5. Love Upholds Righteousness and Truth

Modern culture often equates love with unconditional affirmation or tolerance. However, biblical love is inseparable from truth and righteousness.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:6 that love “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.” Love does not enable sin or ignore error for the sake of maintaining peace or emotional comfort. On the contrary, genuine love may call for correction, confrontation, or discipline when necessary (see Hebrews 12:6, Proverbs 27:5).

This aspect is often neglected in popular views of love, but it is essential to a biblical understanding. God’s love for us includes His desire for our holiness (Hebrews 12:10), not just our happiness. To love someone biblically is to desire God’s best for them—and that always includes aligning with His truth.

All of this is to say that love, as defined by the Bible, is fundamentally different from the love defined by the world. It is not primarily emotional, though it may involve deep emotion. It is not selfish, conditional, or based on attraction. Rather, biblical love is a deliberate, covenantal, and sacrificial commitment to seek the highest good of another person, grounded in the nature of God Himself.

Love is not something we define on our terms. God, who is love, has already defined it through His Word and demonstrated it through His Son. To love like Christ is to live selflessly, serve joyfully, speak truthfully, and give sacrificially.... regardless of how we feel in the moment.

This is the high calling of biblical love, and it stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, feelings-based love of the world.