10/24/2026
What it means to “Love” someone
“As we live in God, our love grows more perfect.” 1Jn 4:17
In today’s culture, the word “love” means different things to different people. You can love your husband or wife, your country, your dog, your new cell phone, and your car. But you don’t love your husband or wife the same way you love your cell phone or your car, right? The television and tabloid kind of love where you fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat isn’t real love; it’s
selfishness and immaturity.
The Bible word “agape” (God’s love) is an unconditional commitment to love that’s rooted in an unchanging decision. It always gives and doesn’t change whether the love is returned. It’s a decision of your heart to seek the other person’s highest good, no matter how they may respond.
When the King James Bible translators encountered the Greek word “agape,” they often chose the English word “love” to translate it, in addition to “charity.” This was meant to reinforce the idea that love is a selfless, unconditional, giving love. And as such, it directs kindness, respect, and loyalty toward the loved one.
“God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect” (vv. 16-17 NLT).
What sets us apart from the world isn’t our words, but our love for one another. When we overcome our differences, cross lines of denomination, race, and culture, and truly love one another, the world is drawn to Christ and pays attention to what we say.
John 13:35 King James Version
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have
love one to another.