Love between People

Love is one of the strongest emotions known to human beings. In your own life, too, you can experience a need for another person, and a feeling of concern for another person. For instance, within a family, a friendship or a love relationship.
These emotions also have their place in the stories and books of the Bible. In many texts, God calls people to live with one another in love, or we find a description of love between people.

In the Bible we find stories of love between people, both within families and within friendships. Examples of this include Ruth’s love for her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 4:15) and the friendship between Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18:1).

Marriage occurs in the Bible as well. As a rule, there is no explicit discussion of love, but there is in the story of the marriage between Isaac and Rebecca, “Then Isaac brought Rebecca into the tent that his mother Sarah had lived in, and she became his wife. Isaac loved Rebecca” (Genesis 24:67). King Ahasuerus also loved Esther when he took her to be his wife (Esther 2:17).

In the Bible, people are called to love their neighbour. Jesus, too, says this is the most important commandment:

“Love your neighbour as you love yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)

“Now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

“Love must be completely sincere. Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good. Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and sisters, and be eager to show respect for one another.” (Romans 12:9-10)

Paul puts into words what love is in his first letter to the Corinthians:

“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

The biblical book of Song of Songs consists of a number of songs in praise of love. One of the key verses of the book is, “Love is as powerful as death; passion is as strong as death itself. It bursts into flame and burns like a raging fire” (Song of Songs 8:6). It is no surprise that this text is often read at weddings.