Dictionary of Bible Themes – 8296 love, nature of
Resources chevron-right Dictionary of Bible Themes chevron-right 8000 The life of the believer chevron-right 8200 The character of the believer chevron-right 8292 love chevron-right 8296 love, nature of
8296 love, nature of

8296 love, nature of

Scripture offers an understanding of the source, character and value of love, based on the nature and actions of God.

God is the source of love

His very character is love 1Jn 4:7-8 See also 1Th 3:12; 2Ti 1:7; 1Jn 4:16,19

The love of God is revealed in the cross of Jesus Christ 1Jn 3:16; 1Jn 4:10 See also Jn 15:13; Eph 5:2,25

Love is part of the Holy Spirit’s fruit Gal 5:22 See also Ro 5:5; Ro 15:30; Col 1:8

The loving-kindness of God referred to in the OT

Jer 31:3 See also Ex 15:13; Ex 34:6; 2Ch 6:42; Ps 6:4; Ps 32:10; Ps 51:1; Ps 107:43; Isa 54:10; Isa 63:7; La 3:22; Hos 2:19

The love of God in the NT

To describe God’s love for humanity Jn 3:16 See also Jn 5:42; Jn 15:10; Ro 8:39; 2Co 13:14; Eph 2:4; Heb 12:6; 1Jn 3:1

To describe love for God Lk 10:27; Jn 14:21; Jn 21:15; Ro 8:28; 1Th 1:3; Jas 1:12; 1Pe 1:8; 1Jn 5:3

To describe brotherly love Jn 13:35; Ro 13:8; 1Co 16:24; 2Co 8:8; Gal 5:13; Eph 4:2; Php 1:9; Col 2:2; Phm 5

To describe love expressed by eating together 2Pe 2:13 fn; Jude 12

To describe love in a negative sense Lk 11:43; Jn 3:19; Jn 12:43; 2Ti 4:10; 2Pe 2:15; 1Jn 2:15

Characteristics of love

1Co 13:4-8 See also Ro 12:9; 1Ti 1:5; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jn 4:18

Love is shown by deeds

1Jn 3:17-18 See also Jn 14:15,23; Ro 5:8; Ro 14:15; Gal 2:20; 1Jn 4:9; 1Jn 5:2-3; 2Jn 6; 3Jn 5-6

The pre-eminence of love

1Co 13:13 See also Mt 22:37-39 pp Mk 12:29-31; Ro 13:9-10; 1Co 12:31-13:3; Gal 5:6; Eph 3:17-19; Col 3:14; 2Pe 1:7; 1Jn 2:10

See also

1085God, love of
2048Christ, love of
3203Holy Spirit & assurance
3209Holy Spirit & love
3254Holy Spirit, fruit of
5762attitudes, God to people
6512salvation, necessity & basis
6638election
7115children of God
8106assurance
8122friendship with God
8463priority of faith, hope & love

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