What does scripture say about love?

Scripture teaches that love is the greatest commandment and the essence of God's nature. We are called to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves. True love is patient, kind, and sacrificial—exemplified perfectly in Jesus Christ's life and teachings.

Relevant Scripture

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. — 1 John 4:8 (NIV)

This verse reveals that love isn't just something God does—it's who He is at His very core.

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.' — Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

Jesus identifies the two greatest commandments as loving God completely and loving others as we love ourselves.

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. — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

This passage beautifully defines what genuine love looks like in practical, everyday actions.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. — John 15:13 (NIV)

Jesus teaches that the ultimate expression of love is self-sacrifice, which He demonstrated on the cross.

But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. — Moroni 7:47 (Book of Mormon)

The Book of Mormon teaches that charity—Christ's pure love—is eternal and essential for our spiritual well-being.

We love because he first loved us. — 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

Our ability to love others flows from experiencing God's love for us first.

A Prayer for This

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so completely and unconditionally. Help us to truly understand Your love so that we can share it with others in our daily lives. Fill our hearts with Your charity so that we may love as Christ loves. Amen.

Reflect

In what specific relationships or situations is God calling you to show more patient, sacrificial love, and what practical step can you take today to demonstrate that love?

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