1 John 4:10-11:
This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
True love is selfless. It gives, it sacrifices. "Greater love has no one than this," Jesus said, "that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13)
Every relationship is an opportunity to love another person like God has loved us. To lay down our desires and do what's in his or her best interest. To care for him or her even when there's nothing in it for us. To want that person's purity and holiness because it pleases God and protects him or her.
Proverbs 3:3, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." God wants love and faithfulness to be connected. In His plan, the personal benefits of an intimate relationship - emotional or sexual are always closely linked to self-sacrificial love and commitment to another person's long-term good.
The best relationships are between two people who care more about each other's good. Where is true joy? It's found in God's brand of love - love founded on faithfulness, love rooted in commitment. The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:6-8)
"If you love me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15). True love always expresses itself in obedience to God and service to others.
Romans 12:9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves.
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