Thanks this is really important but it doesn't define love just gives a wonderful example of it.
First of all, it's from the Bible, so it is NOT
just a wonderful example of it.
Second, the sacrifice of Jesus
a wonderful example?No. It is THE standard. It is who God is. You will find no greater definition, explanation, example of love than what is found in the Bible.
If you can't understand or know or define love from the example of the Bible, you just might be trying to be philosophical, intellectual. I mean not to be insulting. Put faith and trust in the Bible. Love is from God. Go to His word to learn what it is. That's why I gave Bible verses. Webster's can't give a better definition than that of the Bible.
Use the Bible. Read what it says love is. Then write what you've learned from it.
If you use a dictionary, you will be left with having to look up other words. So meditate on what the Bible teaches and shows. The verses below and what they address would be a good beginning. You don't need to study every verse where the word love is found in the Bible.
Here's an example.
I know SIN is detestable to God. It is repugnant to Him. Etc.
Yet what did God do about OUR SIN?
And then continue with those sort of thoughts and questions. I
Here's a question of mine. Is love a power? Some say so. I would not disagree. But it is not independent. It is more, for God is love. It is a virtue. It is a quality. It is divine.
(I would like to know what atheists have to say about love. Where did it come from?)
Focus on the sacrifice and 1 John, especially chapter 4.
Oh, and an EXAMPLE speaks volumes more than a formal definition of a word. Keep that in mind. It will serve you well, as it has me.
Now here's the post again. Please read it carefully.
"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1 John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son
to be the propitiation for our sins.
Love is a decision. We are commanded to love God and our neighbor.
Ultimately, love is from God. It is a virtue, a strength that will move one to sacrifice everything and all things - even one's life -for God, for others, for truth."