Is a strong, enduring, binding affection which God has for us, and which He would like us to have for Him and for all people and for all His creation. The Bible teaches that love must be the motive and guiding influence in any perfect relationship. Israel were instructed to love God and keep His commandments (Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5) and to love their neighbours. This principle is reinforced by many details in the Law, which required an Israelite to be considerate and as concerned for his neighbour and his neighbour's property as he would be for himself and his own property.

The two verses from the Law referred to above were linked together by Jesus to provide the answer to the lawyer who asked him what was the greatest commandment in the Law: "The most important one [commandment]" answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29-31).

The apostles stress the importance of returning God's love, and making love the most important influence in our lives (see 1 John 5:1-3). Man's failure to appreciate God's love led to the death of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is the evidence of God's love for us (see Romans 5:5-8).

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:13-14).

Lamb
Last Supper
Law
  1. Given to Israel by God through Moses
  2. of Christ
  3. The Law of the Land
Leaven
Leprosy
Letter
Leviticus
Life
Light
Lord
Love
Lucifer