Biblical theme · Character and relationships
Love in the Bible
God’s love for people and the commands to love God, neighbour, one another and enemies, with what Scripture says love looks like in practice.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
“God is love,” writes John, and the Bible speaks of God’s love for people as the source of all love. Jesus names the two greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbour as yourself. 1 John 4:7–12Mark 12:29–31
Love in Scripture is shown in action: in loyalty, in care for strangers and enemies, in patience and sacrifice. It is commanded, not left to feelings. 1 John 3:18Luke 10:36–371 Corinthians 13:4–7
Central passages
- Deuteronomy 7:7–9
The LORD chose Israel not because they were many, but because he loved them and kept his oath.
- John 3:16–17
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
- Romans 5:6–8
God shows his love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 1 John 4:9–10
Love is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son.
- Deuteronomy 6:4–5
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
- Leviticus 19:18
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The same chapter applies this to foreigners (19:34).
- Mark 12:28–34
Asked for the greatest commandment, Jesus names both.
- Matthew 5:43–48
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
Love is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, bears all things; the greatest of faith, hope and love.
- John 13:34–35
“Love one another, just as I have loved you.” This is how people will know Jesus’ disciples.
- John 15:12–13
No one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
- 1 John 3:16–18
Let us not love in word only, but in deed and truth.
Across Scripture
Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.
God’s love
God’s love is not earned. It is shown in choosing Israel, in sending his Son, and in Christ dying for people while they were still sinners.
- Deuteronomy 7:7–9 Central teaching
The LORD chose Israel not because they were many, but because he loved them and kept his oath.
- John 3:16–17 Central teaching
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.
- Romans 5:6–8 Central teaching
God shows his love in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 1 John 4:9–10 Central teaching
Love is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son.
The greatest commandments
Jesus draws together two commands from the law of Moses.
- Deuteronomy 6:4–5 Central teaching
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
- Leviticus 19:18 Central teaching
“You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” The same chapter applies this to foreigners (19:34).
- Mark 12:28–34 Central teaching
Asked for the greatest commandment, Jesus names both.
Neighbours and enemies
Jesus widens love to include strangers and enemies.
- Luke 10:25–37 Narrative example
The parable of the good Samaritan answers “Who is my neighbour?”
- Matthew 5:43–48 Central teaching
“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Romans 12:9–21 Supporting passage
Let love be genuine; if your enemy is hungry, feed him.
What love looks like
The New Testament describes love concretely: patient, kind, self-giving, shown in deeds.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1–13 Central teaching
Love is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, bears all things; the greatest of faith, hope and love.
- John 13:34–35 Central teaching
“Love one another, just as I have loved you.” This is how people will know Jesus’ disciples.
- John 15:12–13 Central teaching
No one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
- 1 John 3:16–18 Central teaching
Let us not love in word only, but in deed and truth.
Stories of love
The narratives show love as loyalty and friendship.
- Ruth 1:16–17 Narrative example
Ruth refuses to leave Naomi: “Where you go, I will go.”
- 1 Samuel 18:1–3 Narrative example
Jonathan loves David as his own soul and makes a covenant with him.
Stories that show this theme
- The Good Samaritan Illustrates the theme
Jesus’ answer to “Who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:36–37
- Ruth and Naomi Illustrates the theme
Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi. Ruth 1:16–17
People associated with this theme
- Jonathan
Jonathan loves David as himself. 1 Samuel 18:1
- Ruth
Ruth’s loyal love for Naomi. Ruth 1:16
Distinctions and questions of interpretation
- Love and feelings
- The commands to love focus on what we do: “in deed and truth”, “go and do likewise”. Love can be chosen when feelings are absent. 1 John 3:18Luke 10:37
- Love and approval
- Love “doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth”. Love and honesty belong together. 1 Corinthians 13:6Ephesians 4:15
- Love and discipline
- Hebrews says the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a parent does. Hebrews 12:5–11
Related themes
- Mercy
Mercy is love toward someone in need. Luke 10:37
- Hospitality
Love for the stranger shows in welcome. Leviticus 19:34
- Forgiveness
Love bears with and forgives. Colossians 3:13–14
Life situations
- Marriage
Love is the centre of the Bible’s teaching on marriage. Ephesians 5:25
- Loneliness
Love one another. John 13:34
Questions for reflection
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- According to 1 John 4:10, where does love begin?
- Why might Jesus join the two commandments in Mark 12:29-31?
- Who would be hardest for you to see as your “neighbour” or to love as an enemy?
- Which description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is most needed in your relationships now?
Study guides
- Love in 1 Corinthians 13
Love across Scripture. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7