Love

This word seems to require explanation only in the case of its use by our Lord in his interview with “Simon, the son of Jonas,” after his resurrection (John 21:16, 17). When our Lord says, “Lovest thou me?” he uses the Greek word agapas; and when Simon answers, he uses the Greek word philo, i.e., “I love.” This is the usage in the first and second questions put by our Lord; but in the third our Lord uses Simon’s word. The distinction between these two Greek words is thus fitly described by Trench:, ”Agapan has more of judgment and deliberate choice; philein has more of attachment and peculiar personal affection. Thus the ‘Lovest thou’ (Gr. agapas) on the lips of the Lord seems to Peter at this moment too cold a word, as though his Lord were keeping him at a distance, or at least not inviting him to draw near, as in the passionate yearning of his heart he desired now to do. Therefore he puts by the word and substitutes his own stronger ‘I love’ (Gr. philo) in its room. A second time he does the same. And now he has conquered; for when the Lord demands a third time whether he loves him, he does it in the word which alone will satisfy Peter (‘Lovest thou,’ Gr. phileis), which alone claims from him that personal attachment and affection with which indeed he knows that his heart is full.” In 1 Cor. 13 the apostle sets forth the excellency of love, as the word “charity” there is rendered in the Revised Version.

LOVE. This term signifies one of the constituent principles of our nature, and in the perfect exercise of it is comprehended the whole of our duty to God and to our fellow-creatures. Matt 22:37-40; Rom 13:8, 1 Kgs 16:10; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8. Hence it evidently comprehends all holiness of heart and life. The highest and most glorious display of the divine character which has ever been made to man is the love of God in Jesus Christ, Rom 5:8, and the great principle and fruit of both faith and obedience consists in the possession and exercise of love. John 13:34-35,.

LOVE. This term signifies one of the constituent principles of our nature, and in the perfect exercise of it is comprehended the whole of our duty to God and to our fellow-creatures. Matt 22:37-40; Rom 13:8, 1 Kgs 16:10; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8. Hence it evidently comprehends all holiness of heart and life. The highest and most glorious display of the divine character which has ever been made to man is the love of God in Jesus Christ, Rom 5:8, and the great principle and fruit of both faith and obedience consists in the possession and exercise of love. John 13:34-35,. LOVE-FEASTS were held in connection with the Lord's Supper, and paid for out of the common fund. Jude 12; 2 Pet 2:13. When the community of goods had ceased, Chrysostom says, the rich provided them. Originally these feasts were held in the churches, but this was forbidden by the Council of Laodicaea a.d. 320. and in the following century the custom was dropped or assumed other forms.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preëminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters. Of all the dearest bonds we prove Thou countest sons' and mothers' love Most sacred, most Thine own. Keble.

2. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate affection for, one of the opposite sex. He on his side Leaning half-raised, with looks of cordial love Hung over her enamored. Milton.

3. Courtship; -- chiefly in the phrase to make love, i. e., to court, to woo, to solicit union in marriage. Demetrius . . . Made love to Nedar's daughter, Helena, And won her soul. Shak.

4. Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or desire; fondness; good will; -- opposed to hate; often with of and an object. Love, and health to all. Shak. Smit with the love of sacred song. Milton. The love of science faintly warmed his breast. Fenton.

5. Due gratitude and reverence to God. Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 21.

6. The object of affection; -- often employed in endearing address. "Trust me, love." Dryden. Open the temple gates unto my love. Spenser.

7. Cupid, the god of love; sometimes, Venus. Such was his form as painters, when they show Their utmost art, on naked Lores bestow. Dryden. Therefore do nimble-pinioned doves draw Love. Shak.

8. A thin silk stuff. [Obs.] Boyle.

9. A climbing species of Clematis (C. Vitalba).

10. Nothing; no points scored on one side; -- used in counting score at tennis, etc. He won the match by three sets to love. The Field.

Synonyms: Affection; friendship; kindness; tenderness; fondness; delight.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To have a feeling of love for; to regard with affection or good will; as, to love one's children and friends; to love one's country; to love one's God. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matt. xxii. 37. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self. Matt. xxii. 39.

2. To regard with passionate and devoted affection, as that of one sex for the other.

3. To take delight or pleasure in; to have a strong liking or desire for, or interest in; to be pleased with; to like; as, to love books; to love adventures. Wit, eloquence, and poetry. Arts which I loved. Cowley.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To have the feeling of love; to be in love.