Love is one of the most misunderstood, overused, and yet deeply important words in our world today. We hear it in songs, see it in movies, and post it on social media. But what does God’s Word actually say about love?
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals a love that is pure, sacrificial, life-changing, and eternal. Love isn’t just something God does—it’s who He is.
Let’s take a deeper look at what the Bible says about love—including the four types of biblical love—and how we can live out this love in our daily lives.
1. God Is Love
This truth is foundational:
“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8 (CSB)
Notice it doesn’t say “God has love” or “God shows love.” It says God is love. Love is not just an attribute of God; it is the very essence of His being. Everything He does flows from love—even His justice, discipline, and correction.
God’s love is not dependent on our performance. He loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). This is the love that pursues us, redeems us, and invites us into relationship.
2. The Four Types of Love in the Bible
In English, we have one word—“love”—that we use in a thousand different ways. But the Bible, written in Greek in the New Testament, uses four different words to describe different kinds of love:
💖 Agape (ἀγάπη) – Unconditional, Sacrificial Love
This is the love that God has for us and that we are called to show to others. Agape is not based on emotion or mutual benefit—it is selfless, forgiving, and eternal. It is the love that gives even when nothing is given in return.
“But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (CSB)
Agape love is the kind Jesus speaks of in Matthew 5 when He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It’s not easy—but it’s powerful.
🤝 Philia (φιλία) – Brotherly Love or Deep Friendship
This is the love shared between close friends. It’s marked by loyalty, affection, and companionship. This is the love that binds believers together in Christ.
“Let brotherly love continue.” – Hebrews 13:1 (CSB)
Philia is the love Jesus showed to His disciples and that believers are called to show each other. It’s the kind of love that encourages, sharpens, and uplifts.
👨👩👧 Storge (στοργή) – Familial or Protective Love
Storge refers to the natural affection between family members—such as parents and children or siblings. Though the Greek word isn’t used often in the New Testament, the concept is clearly present.
Think about:
- Noah and his family being saved together.
- Mary and Martha’s grief when Lazarus died.
- Paul’s references to his spiritual children in the faith.
Storge reminds us of the value of family bonds and the protective love that comes naturally within family units.
❤️🔥 Eros (ἔρως) – Romantic or Passionate Love
Eros is the passionate love between a husband and wife. Though the word “eros” itself doesn’t appear in the New Testament, the Bible speaks clearly about romantic love, especially in Song of Songs and passages about marriage.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” – Ephesians 5:25 (CSB)
Eros, within the covenant of marriage, is a beautiful and God-designed form of love. It reflects the intimacy and faithfulness God desires in His relationship with His people.
3. Love Is the Greatest Commandment
Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment in the Law. His answer? Love.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:37–39 (CSB)
Everything we are called to do flows from these two commands. If we love God fully, we’ll want to obey Him. If we love others deeply, we’ll serve them selflessly.
Love isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of the Christian life.
4. Love Is Active and Intentional
Love is more than a feeling. It’s not just butterflies or goosebumps. The Bible presents love as a choice—a decision to act in the best interest of others.
1 Corinthians 13, often read at weddings, describes love in action:
“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant… Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7 (CSB)
Love is patient when someone is difficult.
Love is kind when no one else is.
Love endures when things get hard.
5. Jesus Is the Perfect Picture of Love
There is no greater example of love than Jesus. He is love personified.
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (CSB)
Jesus didn’t just teach about love—He lived it. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, washed the disciples’ feet, forgave His enemies, and died in our place.
If you ever question what love really looks like—look at the cross.
6. We Are Called to Love Like Jesus
Jesus left us with this powerful command:
“Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” – John 13:34 (CSB)
This means:
- Forgiving those who hurt us.
- Serving others even when we’re tired.
- Speaking truth with grace.
- Loving people we don’t agree with.
- Choosing compassion over criticism.
This kind of love is radical. And it’s what the world desperately needs.
Final Encouragement
Love isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even painful. But when we choose to love the way God loves us, we reflect His heart to the world.
Here’s the good news: We don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to love supernaturally. As we abide in Christ, He produces the fruit of love in us (Galatians 5:22).
So whether you’re loving your family, your friends, your enemies, or that difficult coworker—know that God is with you. His love fills you. And His love through you can change the world.
💬 Let’s Talk!
What is one area of your life where God is calling you to love more like Him?
Comment below—I’d love to pray for you and walk with you on this journey.
Would you like this post as a printable Bible study or devotional worksheet? Just let me know, and I’d be happy to create one for you!
