Love Unveiled: A Journey Through the Scriptures

Love. A word we can’t stop singing about, writing about, and craving. But do we really get it? As Christians, we’re called to love everyone—our neighbors, our friends, even our enemies (and yes, sometimes our coffee too… ignore the corny joke!). So, I decided to dive deep into what love means in God’s eyes. I took a good look at love in the Bible (NKJV), and trust me, the journey was eye-opening. Fun Fact: The word “love” appears 322 times in NKJV.

This isn’t some expert theological thesis—just a personal journey, a desire to be a diligent student of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). And honestly, after three months of digging, I know I’ve only scratched the surface. But what I did find is worth sharing.

Before diving into the important lessons, here’s a quick breakdown of my findings on love in the Bible:

1. Love as Obedience to God (about 76 verses) – Obeying God’s commands and keeping His Word.

2. Human Love (Eros & Relational Love) (about 45 verses) – Love between people, including romantic and relational love.

3. Love Leading to Blessings, Joy, Deliverance, Protection (about 39 verses) – God’s favor for those who love Him.

4. Descriptions of God’s Love (Not Based on Works) (about 15 verses) – God’s unconditional love for us.

5. Poetic Love for God (about 14 verses) – Expressions of love in worship and adoration.

6. Loving Evil / Judgment / No Love for God (about 19 verses) – The consequences of loving unrighteousness.

7. Hypocritical Love (about 6 verses) – False or insincere love.

8. Rhetorical Questions About Love (about 5 verses) – Verses that challenge us to reflect on love.

9. Miscellaneous Verses on Love (about 8 verses) – Other verses that don’t fit the above categories but still offer insight.

Now, let’s dive into the lessons from these findings!

God’s definition of love is radically different from the world’s.

Love = Obedience to God

This was the biggest revelation in my study. The Bible repeatedly shows that love for God is demonstrated by obedience—not just words or emotions.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—God’s view of love isn’t just about warm feelings or emotional highs. The majority of verses I found emphasize that love, in God’s eyes, is directly tied to obedience. Here are just a few examples:

• “But showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”—Exodus 20:6

• “Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always.” —Deuteronomy 11:1

• “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” —John 14:15

Over 50 verses connect love with keeping God’s Word, following His instructions, and being devoted to Him. Love isn’t just tingles, goosebumps, butterflies, or a powerful worship high—it’s a lifestyle of obedience to God. This might not be the world’s idea of love, but it’s God’s definition. True love, in His eyes, is rooted in devotion, obedience to His Word, and aligning our hearts with His will. So, when we say we love God, it’s more than words.

Human Love vs. God’s Love

One thing that really stood out during my study was the stark difference between human love and God’s love. Take Jacob and Samson, for example—both deeply in love, but their stories end very differently.

Jacob put in seven years of hard work just to marry Rachel—driven by deep, relentless love (Genesis 29:20). But plot twist—on the big day, he didn’t get Rachel. He got Leah! Talk about a shocker. Laban, Rachel’s own father, pulled a fast one on him. Yet, despite the deception, Jacob didn’t walk away. He doubled down, working another seven years for Rachel. We often celebrate Joseph’s love for Rachel as the ultimate romance—he worked seven years (then another seven!) just to have her as his wife. It’s touching, it’s passionate, and by human standards, it’s beautiful. But let’s be real—Joseph wanted Rachel for himself. His love, though admirable, had a reward in mind. He endured for love, but his love still sought fulfillment for himself.

On the other hand, there’s Samson, whose love for Delilah led him into betrayal, blindness, and ultimately, death (Judges 16:15).

Now, let’s compare that to God’s love:

• “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8)

• “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Jesus didn’t love us because we were righteous, or worthy. No, He loved us while we were still sinners—while we were sinful, rebellious, unfaithful, and undeserving. There was nothing in us to attract His love, yet He laid down His life anyway. His love was sacrificial, unconditional, divine. No reward, no personal gain—just pure, selfless love that cost Him everything.

Loving God = Walking in His Blessings

Obedience is the heartbeat of love in Scripture, but there’s more—love also unlocks God’s favor, protection, and blessings. When we truly love God (not just with words, but with action), He surrounds us with His goodness.

• “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him.” —Psalm 91:14

• “All things work together for good to those who love God.” —Romans 8:28

Loving God doesn’t mean life is easy, but it does mean we are securely His—no matter what comes. God’s love is not a one-way street. When we love Him with all our hearts, He moves in ways we can’t even imagine.

What About “Loving” the Wrong Things? Or Should I Say When Love Goes Wrong

What you love shapes your life. That might sound dramatic, but Scripture makes it clear—love can lead to life, or it can lead to destruction. It all depends on who or what holds your heart.

God warns us about misplaced love—when we cling to the wrong things:

• Loving evil instead of righteousness (Psalm 52:3, John 3:19)

• Loving money instead of God (1 Timothy 6:10)

• Loving the world instead of His kingdom (1 John 2:15)

And the consequences? Spiritual blindness, hardened hearts, and separation from God. Jesus Himself said:

• “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” —Matt 24:12

• “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” —John 12:43

This hit me hard. Love isn’t neutral—it steers our choices, our priorities, and ultimately, our eternity. What you love will either pull you closer to God or push you further away.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

If I had to sum up my study in one line, it’s this: Loving God isn’t just about feelings—it’s about obedience. The world says love is an emotion, but for God, it’s not only about emotion—it’s about devotion, and honor to His Word. Love isn’t just said; it’s lived!

This study humbled me. I know I haven’t figured it all out—far from it! But I trust the Holy Spirit to keep teaching me, opening my eyes to even deeper truths about love. My prayer is that we all seek to love God’s way, not just play along with the world’s definition.

Let’s not just talk about love—let’s live it the way God defines it.