Bible verses about love

The Ultimate Biblical Guide to Love: The Agape Archive

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (65 Verses)

I have curated and categorized these verses to navigate the four dimensions of biblical love: God’s Love for Us, Our Love for God, Love for Neighbors/Enemies, and Romantic/Covenant Love.

God’s Love for Us ( The Foundation)

1. John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

2. Romans 5:8 – “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

3. 1 John 4:9 – “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”

4. 1 John 4:10 – “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

5. 1 John 4:16 – “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love.”

6. 1 John 3:1 – “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God.”

7. Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

8. Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

9. Zephaniah 3:17 – “He will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

10. Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

11. Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…”

12. Ephesians 3:19 – “And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.”

13. Galatians 2:20 – “The Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

14. Psalm 36:7 – “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

15. Psalm 86:15 – “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

16. Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”

17. Deuteronomy 7:9 – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love.”

18. Isaiah 54:10 – “For the mountains may depart… but my steadfast love shall not depart from you.”

19. Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.”

20. John 15:9 – “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

The Definition of Love (1 Corinthians 13 & Others)

21. 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.”

22. 1 Corinthians 13:5 – “It is not rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”

23. 1 Corinthians 13:6 – “It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.”

24. 1 Corinthians 13:7 – “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

25. 1 Corinthians 13:8 – “Love never ends.”

26. 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

27. Colossians 3:14 – “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

28. 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

29. Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”

30. Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.”

31. 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

32. Romans 13:10 – “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

33. 1 Timothy 1:5 – “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

Love for One Another (The Command)

34. John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

35. John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

36. John 15:12 – “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

37. John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

38. 1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.”

39. 1 John 4:11 – “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

40. 1 John 4:12 – “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

41. 1 John 4:20 – “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.”

42. 1 John 4:21 – “And this commandment we have from him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”

43. Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

44. Romans 12:9 – “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

45. Hebrews 13:1 – “Let brotherly love continue.”

46. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 – “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.”

47. Galatians 5:13 – “Through love serve one another.”

48. Ephesians 4:2 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”

49. Philippians 2:2 – “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

50. Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”

51. Matthew 22:39 – “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

52. Galatians 5:14 – “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”

53. James 2:8 – “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”

Love for Enemies & Action

54. Matthew 5:44 – “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

55. Luke 6:27 – “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

56. Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.”

57. Romans 12:20 – “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”

58. 1 John 3:18 – “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”

59. 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all that you do be done in love.”

60. Ephesians 5:2 – “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”

Marriage & Family Love

61. Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

62. Ephesians 5:33 – “Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

63. Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

64. Titus 2:4 – “And so train the young women to love their husbands and children.”

65. Song of Solomon 3:4 – “I found him whom my soul loves.”

Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (The Believer’s Struggle)

I have analyzed the most active threads on r/Christianity, GotQuestions, and Christian Relationship Forums to address the real-world complexities of love.

1. Q: Is love a feeling or a choice? A: In the Bible, love (Agape) is primarily a command, which implies it is a choice. Feelings (affections) fluctuate, but biblical love is the commitment to seek the highest good of another person, regardless of how you feel.

2. Q: How can I love my enemy when they hurt me? A: Loving an enemy doesn’t mean trusting them or feeling warm affection (Phileo). It means praying for them, refusing revenge, and assisting them in a crisis (feeding them). It is a supernatural act requiring the Holy Spirit.

3. Q: What is the difference between Agape, Phileo, and Eros? A: Agape is unconditional, sacrificial, God-like love. Phileo is brotherly friendship and connection. Eros (not in the NT but implied) is romantic passion. Storge is family affection.

4. Q: Does “Love covers a multitude of sins” mean enabling abuse? A: No. It means overlooking minor offenses to maintain unity (Proverbs 19:11). It does not mean hiding crimes or staying in danger. True love seeks the truth and protects the vulnerable.

5. Q: Can I love someone but not like them? A: Yes. You are commanded to love everyone (seek their welfare), but you are not commanded to be friends with everyone. Even Paul and Barnabas separated due to a disagreement, yet remained brothers in love.

6. Q: How do I love myself biblically? A: The command “Love your neighbor as yourself” implies a healthy self-regard. Biblical self-love is seeing yourself as God sees you: flawed but infinitely valuable, redeemed, and worthy of care (temple of the Spirit).

7. Q: Is “tough love” biblical? A: Yes. Jesus demonstrated this with the Rich Young Ruler (letting him walk away) and the Pharisees (rebuking them). Love sometimes involves boundaries and allowing consequences for the sake of the other’s growth.

8. Q: Why is love the “greatest” commandment? A: Because God is love. If you have faith and hope but no love, you do not look like God. All other commandments (do not murder, do not steal) are summed up in love because if you love someone, you won’t harm them.

9. Q: How do I know if God loves me when I suffer? A: The proof of God’s love is the Cross (Romans 5:8), not your current circumstances. Suffering does not separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39); it often refines us.

10. Q: Can I fall out of love with my spouse? A: You can lose the feeling of Eros/Phileo, but the Covenant of Agape remains. In Christian marriage, when feelings fade, you “do the works you did at first” (Rev 2:5) to rekindle the flame.

11. Q: Does God love non-believers? A: Yes, John 3:16 says He loved “the world.” He shows “common grace” (rain, sun, life) to all. However, His covenantal, saving love is experienced only by those who receive Him.

12. Q: How do I explain God’s love to someone who has been abused? A: Gently. Focus on Jesus weeping at Lazarus’ tomb and His anger at injustice. Show them a God who suffers with them, not a distant puppet master.

13. Q: Is jealousy a sign of love? A: Human jealousy is often insecurity. Godly jealousy (Exodus 34:14) is protective zeal. God is jealous for you (wanting your good), not envious of you.

14. Q: What does “Perfect love casts out fear” mean? A: It refers to the fear of judgment. If you know you are perfectly loved by the Judge, you no longer fear the Day of Judgment. It brings security.

15. Q: How can I love God “with all my heart”? A: By obeying Him (John 14:15). Love for God is not measured by how high you raise your hands in worship, but by how quickly you obey His word.

16. Q: Can I love someone into the Kingdom? A: Kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4), but the Gospel must eventually be spoken. Love opens the door for the Truth to be heard.

17. Q: Why does love “keep no record of wrongs”? A: Because keeping a scoreboard is an act of pride and unforgiveness. Love chooses to release the debt so the relationship can breathe.

18. Q: How do I deal with unrequited love? A: Bring your broken heart to God (Psalm 34:18). Trust that His plan for you is good and that He satisfies the longing soul, even if a human doesn’t.

19. Q: Is it unloving to tell someone they are sinning? A: No. Warning someone of a cliff is the most loving thing you can do. However, it must be done with tears and humility, not arrogance (“Speak the truth in love” – Eph 4:15).

20. Q: How do I teach my kids to love? A: Model it. Let them see you serving others, forgiving your spouse, and speaking kindly to servers/strangers.

21. Q: Is unconditional love possible for humans? A: Only through the Holy Spirit. Our natural love is transactional (“I love you because…”). Spirit-filled love says, “I love you even though…”

22. Q: What is the “First Love” mentioned in Revelation? A: It is the passion and priority of placing Jesus above all else. Losing it means doing the work of God but losing the connection to the God of the work.

23. Q: How does love relate to the fruit of the Spirit? A: Love is the first fruit mentioned. Many theologians argue the other fruits (joy, peace, patience) are simply descriptors of how Love acts in different situations.

24. Q: Can you love without faith? A: You can have human affection, but you cannot have divine Agape without the source (God).

25. Q: Why is love called a “debt” in Romans 13:8? A: Because Jesus paid a debt for us we couldn’t pay. We now owe it to Him to love others. It is a debt we can never fully pay off.

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Part 3: 15 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

At Work & Career

1. The “Credit” Shift: Love “does not boast.” When a project succeeds, publicly give credit to your team or coworkers.

2. The Email Pause: Before sending a difficult email, apply 1 Cor 13:4. “Is this patient? Is this kind?” Rewrite if necessary.

3. Servant Leadership: Bring coffee for a colleague who is stressed. Do the “grunt work” nobody wants to do. This is love in action.

4. Active Listening: In meetings, put your phone away. Listening intently is one of the highest forms of love and respect.

5. The “Enemy” Prayer: Identify the most difficult person at your job. Pray for their blessing (not just their removal) for 30 seconds before you enter the building.

In Studies (School/University)

6. Include the Outcast: Look for the student sitting alone. Sit with them. This simple act reflects the heart of Jesus more than any sermon.

7. Tutoring as Service: If you are strong in a subject, offer to help a struggling classmate for free.

8. Respectful Debate: In class discussions, attack the argument, never the person. “Love is not rude.”

9. Cheating is Unloving: Don’t cheat. It is unloving to the teacher (disrespect) and unloving to peers (unfair advantage). Integrity is love.

Social Life & Relationships

10. The “No Gossip” Zone: Love “rejoices with the truth.” When gossip starts, change the subject or say something kind about that person.

11. Punctuality: Being on time is a way of saying, “I love you and value your time.”

12. The “Check-In” Text: Send a text to three friends today asking, “How can I pray for you?” without talking about yourself.

Family & Home

13. The First 5 Minutes: When your spouse/family comes home, stop what you are doing. Give them 5 minutes of undivided attention and eye contact.

14. The Chore Gift: Do a chore that usually belongs to someone else (dishes, trash) and don’t mention you did it.

15. Forgiveness Ritual: Don’t go to bed angry (Eph 4:26). Create a habit of clearing the air every night.

Part 4: Bonus – Life Improvement via the “Jesus Method”

How prioritizing Love upgrades your biology and success.

• The Oxytocin Effect: Science confirms that acts of kindness and love release oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and lower cortisol (stress). Living a life of Agape literally protects your heart health and immune system.

• Anti-Fragility: A person who loves transactionally is fragile (if you hurt me, I break). A person who loves like Jesus is anti-fragile; when hurt, they respond with forgiveness, which strengthens their character and disarms the enemy.

• Leadership: The greatest leaders are not tyrants, but servants. By applying “Love is patient, love is kind” to management, you build loyalty that money cannot buy.