Love is one of the most central themes in the Bible—mentioned over 500 times—and for good reason. Scripture reveals a love that is not shallow or sentimental, but powerful, enduring, and transformational. It’s a love that flows from God, transforms our hearts, and overflows into our relationships with others.
The Gold Standard of Love
“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs…”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4–7
These words, written by the Apostle Paul to a divided and self-centered church in Corinth, describe agape love—unconditional, sacrificial, Christlike love. This is the kind of love God shows us through Jesus. And it’s the kind of love we are called to extend to others.
On our own, we can’t produce this kind of love. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, this love becomes the fruit of our lives:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
— Galatians 5:22–23
While 1 Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings, its wisdom applies to every relationship: with your spouse, your children, your neighbors—even strangers.
Love in Action: Home, Church, and Community
Love isn’t meant to stay within the walls of our churches or the pages of our Bibles. It’s meant to be lived out—in our homes, families, and neighborhoods.
In Marriage
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her…”
— Ephesians 5:25
Biblical love in marriage is rooted in commitment, not convenience. It shows up in:
- Serving when it’s hard
- Communicating with grace
- Choosing forgiveness over resentment
Just as Christ forgives and pursues us, we’re called to pursue each other with sacrificial love.
In Parenting
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
— Ephesians 6:4
Loving our children means leading with patience, correcting with gentleness, and nurturing their spiritual growth. It’s about planting seeds of faith that bear fruit for a lifetime.
In Friendship & Community
“A friend loves at all times…”
— Proverbs 17:17
Love means showing up—when it’s easy and when it’s hard. It looks like listening, encouraging, forgiving, and standing alongside others through life’s highs and lows. It’s also about extending compassion to those who believe, vote, and live differently than we do.
The Everyday Challenge: Love Like Jesus
Jesus didn’t say, “Love your neighbor if it’s easy.” He said:
“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34
This kind of love crosses political divides, withstands differences, and offers grace when it’s least deserved. It’s hard—but it’s holy.
Maybe your neighbor is difficult. Maybe your coworker offends you. Maybe you feel stretched thin. But that’s where Christ meets us—and empowers us to love anyway.
5 Ways to Practice Biblical Love Each Day
Love is more than a feeling. It’s a decision. A discipline. A reflection of the God who loved us first. Try these five practices inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:
Want to Help Your Church Love Like Jesus?
If you’re a pastor or ministry leader, you’ve seen the need: communities divided, relationships fractured, and people hungry for real connection. Teaching your church to love like Jesus could be the spark that changes everything.
That’s why we created the Love Your Neighbor Kit—a powerful resource to help churches and families move from knowing about God’s love to living it out in their neighborhoods.
and equip your church to love with purpose, humility, and boldness.
