The Bible is full of beautiful and powerful verses about love, reminding us of God’s love for us and how we are to love others. Here are some key Bible verses that speak about love:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
“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.”
- These verses describe the characteristics of true, selfless love, showing what love looks like in action.
2. 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
- This passage emphasizes that love originates from God and that to truly know God, we must live in love.
3. John 3:16 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- The ultimate demonstration of God’s love for humanity, offering His Son for our salvation.
4. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- This verse shows that God’s love for us is unconditional and sacrificial, even when we were far from Him.
5. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
“We love because he first loved us.”
- A reminder that our ability to love comes from experiencing God’s love first.
6. Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)
“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.'”
- Jesus sums up the two greatest commandments: to love God fully and to love others as ourselves.
7. Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
- Love has the power to bring peace and forgiveness where there is conflict.
8. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- This verse speaks to the importance of humility, patience, and gentleness in our love for others.
9. Colossians 3:14 (NIV)
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- Love is the bond that unites all virtues and strengthens our relationships.
10. 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
- This verse highlights the power of love to bring healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
11. Song of Solomon 8:7 (NIV)
“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
- A poetic description of the strength and value of love.
12. John 13:34-35 (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- Jesus calls His followers to love one another in a way that reflects His love for them, which becomes a testimony to the world.
These verses teach us that love is not just a feeling but an action, something that we live out daily in our relationships with God and with others. Love is the essence of God’s character and the foundation of Christian living.