The Basis of Love

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

The Purpose of Love — Ephesians 5:21–33

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord — for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery — but Paul is talking about Christ and the church.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb — Revelation 19:7–9

This passage portrays the Church as a bride who has made herself ready, clothed in fine linen, symbolizing the righteous deeds of the saints. The marriage feast represents the ultimate union between Christ and His people — a time of celebration and fulfillment of God’s promises. John describes “the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2).

God Is Love — 1 John 4:7–8

“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.”

The Character of Love — 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

“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.”

The Fruit of Love — Galatians 5:22–23

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Love is not merely a feeling — it is the very fruit and character of a life surrendered to God.