1. Introductory comments: The importance of love is observed in many teaching circumstances: Gal. 5: 6; v. 13; Eph. 4: 2; 4: 15; v. 16; Eph. 5: 2; Col. 2: 2; Heb. 10: 24; I Thes. 5: 13. Hence, love is not just an optional matter, but foundational. However, many misunderstand “love.”

2. What Bible love is: “Love is designated in the language of the N. T. by two verbs and two nouns: agapao; phileo (verbs) and agape and phileo (phileo as a noun is found in compounds, cp. philadelphia, Heb. 13: 1). Agape love is distinguished from phileo love in that agape love is by comparison more intensified and profound. “Christian love has God for its primary…

3. What Bible love is (continued): …object and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments...,” Vine stated regarding agapao. “Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom…

4. What Bible love is (continued): …some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all and works no ill to any, love seeks opportunity to do good to all men and especially those of the household of faith…” (W. E. Vine). “Phileo love is distinguished from agapao love in this, that phileo more nearly represents tender affection” (Vine).

5. Love for GodDarkness Commands of GodThe world Enemies Pleasures of life The truthHuman praise Your neighbor Excessive self-love The brotherhood Preeminence City of GodEarthly riches