What is love, in the Christian sense?

Answer 1

In the Greek language, the original language of the Bible, there were three words that are translated as "love" in English.

The first is the word "eros" from which we get the English word "erotic". It refers to the "sensual" or "sexsual" feelings and acts of "love". The word eros is not found in the Bible.

The second word is "philos" from which we get the English name Philidelphia. It is sometimes translated as "brotherly love." It is a deep friendship. It is used several time in scriptures when talking about unity between Christian brothers.

The last is the word "agape". It is unique to the Bible, and not found in any other literature. The word means to see and treat someone as precious, worthy and of special value. It goes beyond just a friendship - which is usually based on mutual interests and enjoyments - and is soley based on the idea that the one "loved" as value simply because they are. It has not sensual or sexual connotations. It is pure.

This is the kind of love that Jesus spoke of. One that holds every person in a place of value, not because of "who they are" or what they have done, or what they can do for you - but simply becuase they are. It is a sacrifical love, that places the worth of the other ahead of themself.

Answer 2

God’s Love: The Biblical Presentation

The modern message of the gospel is "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." However, our idea of "wonderful" and the world’s may be a little different. Take a sinner through the pages of the Book of Acts and show him the terrifying scene of boulders breaking the bones of Stephen. Then smile and whisper, "Wonderful..." Listen together to the sound of a cat-o’-nine-tails as it rips the flesh off the back of the apostle Paul. Follow together the word "suffering" through the Epistles, and see if you can get the world to whisper, "Wonderful!"

After such a ride down Honesty Road, they may think the pleasures of sin are a little more attractive than the call to "suffer affliction with the people of God." John MacArthur said, "We need to adjust our presentation of the gospel. We cannot dismiss the fact that God hates sin and punishes sinners with eternal torment. How can we begin a gospel presentation by telling people on their way to hell that God has a wonderful plan for their lives?"

Who in the world is going to listen if we are so blatantly honest about the Christian life? Perhaps not as many as are attracted by the talk of a wonderful plan. However, the answer to our dilemma is to make the issue one of righteousness, rather than happiness. This is what Jesus did. He used the Ten Commandments to show sinners the righteous standard of God (Luke 10:25,26; 18:18– 0). Once the world sees the perfect standard by which they will be judged, they will begin to fear God, and through the fear of the Lord, men depart from sin (Proverbs 16:6). They will begin to hunger and thirst after the righteousness that is in Jesus Christ alone.

If you study the New Testament you will see that God’s love is almost always given in direct correlation to the cross: herein is love, for God so loved, God commended His love, etc. (See John 3:16; Romans 5:5,6,8; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4,5; 5:2,25; 1 John 3:16; 4:10; and Revelation 1:5, among others.) The cross is the focal point of God’s love for the world. How can we point to the cross without making reference to sin? How can we refer to sin without the Law (Romans 7:7)?

The biblical way to express God’s love to a sinner is to show him how great his sin is (using the Law—see Romans 7:13; Galatians 3:24), and then give him the incredible grace of God in Christ. This was the key to reaching so many on the Day of Pentecost. They were "devout" Jews who knew the Law and its holy demands, and therefore readily accepted the mercy of God in Christ to escape its fearful wrath. When you use the Law to show the world their true state, get ready for sinners to thank you. For the first time in their lives, they will see the Christian message as an expression of love and concern for their eternal welfare, rather than of merely proselytizing for a better lifestyle while on this earth.

Answer 3

Love in the christian sense is applied with a hammer and a branding iron.

Answer 4

Without a doubt, true love is appreciated wherever we go. The love that can make a real difference in life is that described by the Bible writer Paul: “Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”—1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Yes, “love never fails.” Love heals. Love unites. Love is shown not just by words but by unselfish actions. Love has a pure motive. Paul also wrote: “If I give all my belongings to feed others, and if I hand over my body, that I may boast, but do not have love, I am not profited at all.” If we make sacrifices or give gifts just to be seen by others, then from God’s viewpoint it is in vain.—1 Corinthians 13:3.

Jesus put it this way: “When you go making gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, just as the hypocrites do . . . that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, They are having their reward in full. But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing.” Yes, love does not boast or brag.—Matthew 6:2, 3.

What Is Love?

One description of love is ‘a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, a warm fondness or liking for another.’ It is a quality that moves people to work for the good of others, sometimes at great personal sacrifice. Love, as it is described in the Bible, involves both the mind and the heart. The mind, or intellect, plays a role because a person who loves does this with his eyes open, recognizing that he and other humans that he loves all have weaknesses as well as attractive qualities. The intellect is further involved since there are those whom a Christian loves—sometimes, perhaps, against his natural inclinations—because he knows from his reading of the Bible that God wants him to do so. (Matthew 5:44; 1 Corinthians 16:14) Still, love basically comes from the heart. Genuine love as it is revealed in the Bible is never merely intellectual. It entails deep sincerity and full emotional commitment.—1 Peter 1:22.

People who are selfish at heart are rarely capable of a truly loving relationship because a person who loves is prepared to put the interests of another ahead of his own. (Philippians 2:2-4) Jesus’ words “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving” are especially true when the giving is an act of love. (Acts 20:35) Love is a powerful bond. (Colossians 3:14) It often includes friendship, but the bonds of love are stronger than those of friendship. The romantic relationship between a husband and his wife is sometimes described as love; however, the love that the Bible encourages us to cultivate is more enduring than physical attraction. When a couple truly love each other, they remain together even if a physical relationship is no longer possible because of the infirmities of old age or because one of them is incapacitated.

Answer 5

Love, in the christian sense, is choosing the highest good of another over your own selfishness.

Answer 6

Love is putting another persons needs before your own. Jesus did exactly that by giving up his life for mankind. That is the full meaning of: "For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotton son; That however believes on him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Jesus said "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me." He was lifted up on the tree (cross) to accomplish that and fulfill the will of God the Father.

Answer 7

Greater love hath no man than to give his life for his brother... That is one saying

I recomend you read from The Christian Bible, King James Version if you can, from First John chapter 4... or the whole book of first John... it's short

also from the Gospel Of John,,, the fourth book of the New testiment,,, from chapter 17...also from John chapt. 3 verses 16 and 17

ALL of God's intent for mankind is Love. From each of us to all others... from each of us to Him(if we so choose) God dose not compel love. It is a free will offering of the Christian to our Creator.

I accept email questions from all honest seekers concerning theChristian Faith. or you may check me out at:

www.mikesoutreach.com

Answer 8

You can either hear what a christians claims love to be, what the bible says love is, or you can watch a chrsitian and see what they practice.

From my experience, christian love is no different then any other love; selective.

Answer 9

4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Answer 10

Love is not practiced. I clean several Churches, I had surgery. Not one Church sent me a card or anything. My Dear sinner Friends were the only ones kind to me.