Love
Biblical love begins with God. It is revealed most clearly in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection — a love marked by sacrifice, humility, and faithfulness. This kind of love moves toward others not based on worthiness or ease, but from a heart shaped by grace.
As an outcome of following Jesus, love grows as the Spirit reshapes our desires and priorities. Over time, love becomes less about self-protection and more about self-giving, forming a way of life that reflects God’s heart in how we live, serve, and relate to others.
Self-Reflections
Use the reflections below not to judge yourself, but to notice what patterns may be shaping your love.
Signs of growing love may include:
- Willingness to put others’ needs ahead of your own
- Patience and grace in difficult or imperfect relationships
- A growing desire to love others the way Christ has loved you
Love may be strained when:
- Self-protection outweighs self-giving
- Relationships become transactional or conditional
- Fear or pride limits vulnerability and sacrifice
Love is often counterfeited by:
- Sentiment without commitment
- Helping others in ways that maintain control
- Conditional affection based on performance or agreement
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
— John 15:12-13
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
— 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
We love because he first loved us.
— 1 John 4:19
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
— Colossians 3:14
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
— Ephesians 5:1-2
What Often Undermines Love
What God Often Uses to Form Love
Resources to Help You Become Loving
What Makes Christian Love Different
An interview that explores how Christian love is distinctively shaped by the gospel, calling believers to sacrificial, self-giving love rooted…
What Is Love
A conversation that digs into what genuine biblical love is — not merely emotion, but a commitment shaped by God’s…
Love
A devotional blog that highlights the biblical basis of love, explaining how Christ’s love transforms us and should be expressed…
A Gospel in Life message from the Fruit of the Spirit series that unpacks the nature of biblical love and…
We Saved A Seat For You
Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)