More often than not, the world has different definitions than God does. The values and principles we find in the Bible should be where we get our definitions primarily. One such subject that is brought up during this time of year is “Love.” This word can be used in a multitude of ways such as “I love my car” or I love my dog” or even “I love hanging out with you!” Yet, the word was never meant to be used so casually. In Hebrew, there are multiple words associated with love, such as Ahava, Chesed, Rachamim, and Dod. In Greek, love also has multiple words such as, Agapē, Philia, or Storge. The point is not to dig deeper into these different meanings as much as it is to showcase that love is multifaceted and perhaps in English has become over simplified.

In the Bible, love usually inherently refers to relationship. This relationship is certainly what the Creator wants from His creation. The Biblical narrative encompasses a story of desired intimacy and the challenges that lay between God and man. This timeless theme is found throughout scripture from God communing with Adam and Eve in the Garden to the presence of God in the Tabernacle to the sweet aromas of the Temple sacrifices, and Yeshua’s ultimate goal on the cross. Israel’s family diary is a memoir of the sacrifice and commitment required to stay in relationship with the God of the universe.

Covenant plays a large role in God’s definition of love. His character is marked by His enduring faithfulness to the promises He has made to the Jewish people. It is like how currencies are valued, in the sense that a dollar is backed by the promise of the government or rare earth metals and minerals. In essence, God’s desire to bless and be present among His people and mankind is embodied in the sacrifice of Yeshua. His death and resurrection not only became the unit of measurement of time itself, but also explains the love God has for each and every one of us. As it says in John 3:16, “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.” When juxtaposed to the love we hear about today, it seems to have a depth that is unmeasurable.

Truth be told, this beautiful romance brings meaning and hope to an earthly existence that eventually terminates. Indeed, the passage written by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 summarizes it best:

“Love is patient,
love is kind,
it does not envy,
it does not brag,
it is not puffed up,
it does not behave inappropriately,
it does not seek its own way,
it is not provoked,
it keeps no account of wrong,
it does not rejoice over injustice
    but rejoices in the truth;
it bears all things,
it believes all things,
it hopes all things,
it endures all things.”

When compared to the Bible, it is easy to see the real from the counterfeit when it comes to love. So, consider this next time you get ready to say the word “love.” Who is the subject of my love? Is it towards a spouse or your children? Is it in your prayer time or do you use it to describe your favorite meal or television show? If you desire to reflect Messiah Yeshua, perhaps bringing more intentionality to your words and your actions can change you from the inside out. It is no coincidence that the first fruit of the Spirit is love. It is one of the ways that the presence of God inside you speaks to your character and reputation. We exist to make God’s name known. Therefore, your love for God becomes love for His creation, your fellow man. Your ability to see the world through God’s eyes brings compassion for the lost and the hurting.

In the words of Messiah Yeshua in Matthew 22:37-40, “‘You shall love Adonai 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, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire Torah and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”