THE DOCTRINE OF LOVE

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This presentation of the Biblical Doctrine of Godly Love stands firmly within the historic Christian tradition while offering a fresh, warm, and deeply human expression of its truths. It reflects the core doctrines of divine love, actionable compassion, and the eternal significance of kindness, yet communicates them through personal experience, emotional honesty, and everyday struggles. Instead of treating love as a distant concept or mere duty, this essay presents Christian love as a lived response to God’s tender affection—expressed through patience, gentleness, sacrifice, and deliberate choice. Because it blends theological depth with heartfelt accessibility, Peter Zacharoff encourages readers not only to understand the major themes of the Biblical Doctrine of Godly Love but also to present insights into how to practically show the Love of God with deep sincerity and lasting value.

God’s Love In Me

You know My love by eyes that shine and faces gleam,

showing God’s happy beam.

A parent’s face that lights like the dawn—

that grin is My joy tagging along.

A friend’s slow blink, a loving stare,

says I’m still yours, I’ll always care.

That goodbye gaze that drags and clings—

that’s Me holding on to loving things.

When someone cheers your tiny win

a smile stretched ear to chin,

and night finds two hearts softly lit

by silent looks that perfectly fit

Each lingering, laugh, each loving look

is straight from Heaven’s open book.

Every kind word’s loving spark

is Me, still smiling at the dark.

So when their eyes won’t say goodbye,

it’s just My way of just saying Hi—

I never tire, I never dim,

I taught them how to love,

— like Him.

Biblical Love Means Denying Self

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). To “lay down your life” communicates relinquishing selfishness and choosing daily to die a little bit to our own self to love others with God’s love. Scripture teaches the quiet sacrifice of putting another person’s good above our own convenience, pride, or comfort. We see this modeled in Christ, for “He laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). Such love chooses gentleness when irritation rises, patience when impatience feels justified, and forgiveness even when it costs something deep. It is the opposite of self-centeredness, echoing Paul’s call: “Let each esteem others better than themselves… look not every man on his own things, but… on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3–4).

Jesus described this daily surrender when He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily” (Luke 9:23). To lay down your life in love, then, is to continually crucify selfish impulses, preferring others in honor (Romans 12:10) and letting the Spirit form in us the same sacrificial heart that led Christ to give Himself for us.

In a popular song, “Love One Another,” by The Maranatha! Singers, we happily proclaim…

Love one another

For love is of God

He who loves is born of God and knows God

He who does not love

Does not know God

For God is love

God is love!

The Loving Eyes of Jesus

Many near-death testimonies from people of every background describe an encounter so powerful and tender in the presence of God’s love that ordinary language struggles to contain the thought of looking into the eyes of Jesus. Across cultures, ages, and backgrounds, people speak of a love so complete that it feels as though heaven narrows to one relationship, that of only them and God. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 we find a glimpse of this. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” They describe being fully known and to know all things fully—every fear, every failure, every secret sorrow—and simultaneously cherished without the slightest shadow of rejection.

Academic studies, such as Robert A. King’s analysis of “Jesus-personage” experiences (Lund University), record these same themes of the deepest compassion, wisdom, warmth, and personal attention radiating from His gaze. Popularly documented testimonies collected by Randy Kay and explored by John Burke echo the same truth: His eyes communicate something deeper than speech—“I know you, I want you, I have always loved you.” Many report that in one look, every wound becomes smaller, every burden lighter, and every shame washed away in the presence of a love unlike anything on earth.

This near death glimpse, whether visionary, spiritual, or symbolic, illustrates a truth anchored in Scripture: God’s love is both infinite and intimate. Colossians 1:17 states, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” God’s love holds the universe together yet leans close enough to people to soothe a trembling heart. It carries us through long nights, walks with us through ordinary days, and gathers our tears with a tenderness deeper than understanding. 1 Samuel 16:7 explains “…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Hebrews 13:8 affirms that “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” God’s love does not fluctuate with our moods or our failures. His providence arranges the details of our days; His provision meets needs we cannot see; His perfection shelters us when life feels unsafe. We give thanks because His love is not distant—it is personal, present, and unwavering. Jeremiah 17:10 elaborates, “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

The Call to Love as We Have Been Loved

John 3:16 famously summarizes the motivation of God’s love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Yet the miracle of God’s love is not only in how He presents it, but in how He invites us to reflect it.

1 John 4:8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

1 John 4:19: “We love him, because he first loved us.”

John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Love becomes most real and most needed precisely when it is difficult. We all know how to be kind when things are going our way, but when they are not, that’s when we must employ deeper love. We all know what it is to feel tired, irritable, or overwhelmed. Those feelings do not make us unloving; they reveal where love must become a choice. Love is the decision to be gentle when frustration rises, to soften our tone when irritation pushes forward, to give patience when impatience seems natural, and to see another person’s struggle rather than react to their behavior. Real love refuses to let emotion dictate character. Matthew 22:37-39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Godly Love refuses to hide the truth when truth is needed. Love does not eliminate disappointment but sometimes hides it. We still feel the full impact of such emotions. God often expressed disappointment toward His people without ever withdrawing His steadfast affection. Healthy disappointment speaks truth without unkindness. It confronts truth. It invites personal spiritual growth without harm and communicates, “I care enough to be truthful and honest, and I love you enough to remain here even if that may be difficult. Love does not walk away but moves forward with you, not away from you.” In this way, disappointment becomes an instrument of love rather than a threat to end it. True love is giving, not jut taking. It means that this relationship matters so much that you cannot watch someone drift, hurt themselves, or harm the relationship without lovingly speaking up and even removing something. Loving honesty becomes an act of protection rather than attack. It says: “I respect you enough to tell you the truth and I value our relationship enough to speak what might be uncomfortable. I am investing time in your growth and for your good, not just for keeping the peace.” Honesty in this sense comes from compassion, not cold-hearted irritation. It’s the opposite of abandoning someone, shutting down, or pretending everything is fine when it is not. It is true love, choosing courage over convenience.

True love does not walk away. It promises presence, stability, and commitment. It communicates: I am here for you, even when things are hard because of conflict or discomfort.

Jesus sets this standard: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you” (John 13:34). We do this because “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God” (1 John 4:7). “Love suffereth long, and is kind… beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Love listens, sacrifices, forgives, and speaks gently. Love covers faults with mercy—“love shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) and “above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:14). This kind of love cannot be forced from willpower alone. It is the fruit of the Spirit growing quietly within us. Jesus calls again: “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). We love because we have been loved. We forgive because we have been forgiven. We give because we were first given grace.

Love That Echoes Eternally

Scripture teaches that every act of love carries eternal weight. Nothing done in love is wasted. Jesus says: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these… ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). Even the smallest gesture matters: “Whosoever shall give… a cup of cold water… shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). God sees every quiet sacrifice: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love” (Hebrews 6:10). He honors each act of kindness: “Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:8). Love becomes treasure stored in eternity, the testimony of our life before God. Jesus Himself declares, “My reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12).

We love not only because the world needs love and God commands it, but because Christ receives our love as worship, and heaven delights to witness it.

Go today and love someone in a way they did not expect.

Love with purpose.

Love with courage.

Love because Jesus loved you first—and because heaven is rejoicing as you love.

HOW TO SPEND ETERNITY IN GOD’S LOVE

The gospel begins with the staggering truth of God’s love: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). God did not wait for us to improve, deserve, or earn anything. Instead, His love was revealed at our lowest point—“Christ died for us” while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). In His sacrificial death, Jesus fulfilled the very heart of Scripture: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). His burial testified that His death was real, complete, and voluntary. And His resurrection on the third day declared His triumph over sin and death, fulfilling God’s eternal plan—“And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:4).

This is not just a message—it is an invitation from the heart of God Himself. The same love that moved Jesus to the cross now reaches out to you. God’s desire is not to condemn you but to save you!

GOD’S LOVE WANTS YOU TO BE IN HEAVEN WITH HIM! BUT THERE IS NO SIN IN HEAVEN. YOU MUST DEAL WITH YOUR SIN BEFORE YOU DIE. ONLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CAN WASH AWAY YOUR SIN. REPENT, AGREE WITH GOD ABOUT YOUR SIN, AND RETURN HIS LOVE BY ACCEPTING JESUS INTO YOUR HEART NOW.

God loves you! He provided Jesus to take your punishment on the cross. Jesus died in your place. He wants to forgive you, and to bring you into a loving relationship with Him that will last forever and can never be broken. Scripture promises, “For whosoever (THAT’S YOU) shall call (PRAY TO BE SAVED) upon the name of the Lord (JESUS CHRIST) shall (WILL BE) be saved (FROM HELL)” (Romans 10:13). That “whosoever” includes you—no matter your past, no matter your wounds, no matter your fears. GIVE IT ALL TO JESUS!

If you sense God drawing you, that is His love calling your name. You don’t have to fix yourself first. You don’t have to clean up your life before you come. Jesus invites you just as you are. He is ready to lift the weight of guilt, silence the shame, and give you a new heart and a new beginning. His arms are open, and His love is already reaching toward you.

If you want to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can turn to Him now with a sincere heart and pray something like this:

“Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I come to You today asking for forgiveness. I receive You as my Lord and Savior. COME INTO MY HEART NOW AND wash me by your holy blood, change me, and make me new. Help me live in Your love from this day forward. Thank you for saving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that with honesty, the true loving God of the Bible, who cannot lie. assures you personally in His Word in Scripture that God has heard you and received you. You are forgiven. You are redeemed. You are His Child now.

Jesus said, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). His love has loved you forever, and your new loving life in Christ begins right now.