Rev. Cecil Wayne Thorn
Introduction:
The secular statement “love is love” is a phrase that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly within discussions about relationships, marriage, and sexual orientation. It’s often used as a slogan to express the idea that love, in all its forms, should be accepted and valued equally, regardless of who the individuals involved are. The phrase emphasizes the belief that all consensual romantic or affectionate relationships are inherently valid, and no one form of love should be considered superior to another.
Key Aspects of “Love is Love”:
1. Equality and Inclusivity:
– The phrase promotes the idea that love between any two people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or other differences, is equally legitimate. It’s often associated with the LGBTQ+ movement and is used to advocate for the recognition of same-sex relationships as equally valid as heterosexual relationships.
2. Rejection of Discrimination:
– “Love is love” is a rejection of discrimination based on the nature of a romantic relationship. It argues against the idea that certain types of love are more acceptable or “normal” than others, pushing for societal acceptance of diverse expressions of love.
3. Simplicity of Love:
– The statement also conveys the notion that love is a universal experience, something simple and pure that transcends complex social, legal, or religious definitions. It suggests that love, at its core, is the same for everyone, regardless of who is involved.
Implications of the Phrase:
1. Challenges to Traditional Views:
– The phrase challenges traditional and religious views of love and marriage, which often define love within specific boundaries, such as between a man and a woman within the institution of marriage. By stating “love is love,” it implies that these boundaries are artificial or outdated.
2. Focus on Personal Experience:
– It places the emphasis on individual experience and personal truth. The idea is that if two people feel love for each other, that feeling itself is what validates the relationship, rather than external criteria or societal norms.
3. Cultural Shift:
– The widespread use of this phrase reflects a cultural shift towards greater acceptance of diverse forms of relationships and a broader understanding of love. It resonates with many who feel that love should not be restricted or judged based on traditional or historical definitions.
Critiques and Considerations:
1. Subjectivity:
– Critics argue that “love is love” is overly simplistic and fails to address the complexities of relationships, moral considerations, and the potential consequences of embracing all forms of love without discernment.
2. Moral and Ethical Debates:
– The phrase often comes up in debates about morality and ethics, especially where there is a conflict between traditional religious values and modern secular views on relationships.
3. Potential for Misuse:
– Some caution that the phrase could be misused to justify relationships that may be harmful or inappropriate, arguing that not all expressions of love are necessarily good or healthy.
Summary:
“Love is love” is a secular statement promoting the idea that all forms of love are equal and should be accepted without judgment or discrimination. It emphasizes inclusivity, challenges traditional boundaries, and reflects a broader cultural movement toward recognizing and validating diverse relationships. While it has been empowering for many, especially in the context of LGBTQ+ rights, it also raises questions about the nature of love, morality, and societal norms.
Today’s version of love, as often depicted in popular culture and society, tends to emphasize emotions, personal fulfillment, and individual desires. This modern concept of love can be quite different from the biblical description of love in several key ways:
1. Self-Centered vs. Selfless Love
– Today’s Version: Modern love is often portrayed as self-centered, focused on personal happiness, and what one can get out of a relationship. Love is seen as something that should fulfill one’s desires and needs, and if it stops doing so, it is often discarded.
– Biblical Love: Biblical love, especially as described in 1 Corinthians 13 (ESV), is selfless. It is about giving and sacrificing for others without expecting anything in return. It is patient, kind, and enduring, even in difficult circumstances.
2. Temporary vs. Enduring Love
– Today’s Version: Love today is often seen as fleeting and temporary. Relationships are sometimes viewed as disposable, and love is often equated with intense emotions or physical attraction that can fade over time.
– Biblical Love: The Bible describes love as enduring and eternal. True love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)). It is a commitment that lasts, not just when feelings are strong, but even when they wane.
3. Emotional vs. Action-Oriented Love
– Today’s Version: Love is frequently portrayed as a strong emotion or feeling. It’s about passion, romance, and chemistry, often measured by how intensely one feels at the moment.
– Biblical Love: In the Bible, love is more about action than emotion. It is something that is demonstrated through deeds. Jesus teaches that love involves serving others, sacrificing for them, and putting their needs above your own (John 15:13 (ESV)). It is active and practical, not just emotional.
4. Conditional vs. Unconditional Love
– Today’s Version: Modern love is often conditional, based on circumstances or how someone else behaves. Love may be given as long as the other person meets certain expectations or conditions.
– Biblical Love: Biblical love is unconditional. God’s love for humanity is agape love, which is not based on our actions or worthiness but on His nature and choice to love (John 3:16 (ESV)). Christians are called to love others in the same way, regardless of whether it is deserved.
5. Love as a Transaction vs. Love as a Covenant
– Today’s Version: In today’s culture, love can sometimes be seen as a transaction—an exchange of goods, services, or affections where both parties benefit. If the transaction becomes unbalanced, the relationship may end.
– Biblical Love: Love in the Bible is viewed as a covenant, not a contract. It is a binding commitment that is not broken easily. Marriage, for example, is described as a covenant relationship in which love is promised “for better or for worse” (Ephesians 5:25-33 (ESV)).
Summary:
Today’s version of love is often rooted in personal satisfaction, fleeting emotions, and conditional responses. In contrast, the love described in the Bible is selfless, enduring, action-oriented, unconditional, and covenantal. Biblical love calls for a deeper, more committed approach that goes beyond mere feelings, focusing on the well-being and flourishing of others, rooted in the example of Christ’s sacrificial love.
What does the Bible tell us about the word “LOVE”?
Here Matthew Henry gives us a summary of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV):
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
“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.”
Matthew Henry’s Commentary Summary:
1. Love is Patient and Kind:
– Patience: Love endures wrongs and injustices without seeking revenge. It suffers long, tolerating offenses and difficulties calmly and without complaint. This patience is not a sign of weakness but of strength.
– Kindness: Love is actively kind, always seeking to be useful to others. It acts with benevolence, doing good even to those who may not deserve it.
2. Love Does Not Envy or Boast:
– No Envy: Love is not jealous or envious of others. It does not resent the good fortune or accomplishments of others. True love rejoices in the welfare of others and seeks their good without any hidden jealousy.
– No Boasting: Love does not parade itself, does not brag about its accomplishments or virtues. It does not seek to draw attention to itself through self-praise.
3. Love Is Not Arrogant or Rude:
– No Arrogance: Love is not puffed up with pride. It does not have a high opinion of itself or look down on others. Humility is a key feature of true love.
– No Rudeness: Love behaves decently and with proper respect for others. It is not unseemly or improper in its conduct. It considers the feelings and needs of others, avoiding any actions that might cause unnecessary offense.
4. Love Does Not Insist on Its Own Way:
– Love does not seek its own advantage or benefit at the expense of others. It is not selfish or self-centered but is willing to sacrifice its own interests for the sake of others. Love seeks the well-being of others above its own.
5. Love Is Not Irritable or Resentful:
– Not Irritable: Love is not easily provoked to anger. It is not quick to take offense or become exasperated. Instead, it is calm and even-tempered, even in challenging situations.
– Not Resentful: Love keeps no record of wrongs. It does not hold grudges or harbor ill will. It forgives and forgets, not allowing past hurts to fester or grow into bitterness.
6. Love Does Not Rejoice at Wrongdoing but Rejoices with the Truth:
– Love takes no pleasure in the misdeeds or sins of others. It does not find satisfaction in the downfall or failures of others. Instead, it rejoices in the truth and in the success and righteousness of others.
7. Love Bears All Things, Believes All Things, Hopes All Things, Endures All Things:
– Bears All Things: Love covers, endures, and supports. It is willing to overlook faults and cover the imperfections of others.
– Believes All Things: Love is trusting, believing the best about others, and giving them the benefit of the doubt.
– Hopes All Things: Love is hopeful, looking forward with confidence and expectation, especially in the context of others’ spiritual and moral growth.
– Endures All Things: Love perseveres through difficulties, challenges, and trials. It does not give up or abandon its commitment, even when faced with hardships.
Conclusion:
Matthew Henry emphasizes that these qualities of love are the essence of true Christian charity. Love is selfless, humble, patient, and enduring. It seeks the good of others above its own and reflects the character of Christ in every way. Love is not merely an emotion or feeling but a practical, active, and enduring commitment to others’ welfare.
In the Bible, love is expressed through different Greek words, each representing various forms of love. Here’s a biblical definition of each:
1. Storge (στοργή) – Familial Love
Definition: Storge refers to the natural affection and love between family members, such as the bond between parents and children or siblings.
– Biblical Context: While the word “storge” itself isn’t used in the New Testament, the concept is present. For example, in Romans 12:10 (ESV): “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor,” the term “brotherly affection” can be linked to storge. It emphasizes the love and loyalty within a family.
2. Eros (ἔρως) – Romantic or Sexual Love
Definition: Eros is the Greek word for romantic, passionate love. It refers to the physical and emotional love between a husband and wife.
– Biblical Context: Though the term “eros” does not appear in the Bible, the concept is exemplified in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the love between a bride and groom. For example, Song of Solomon 1:2 (ESV): “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.”
3. Philia (φιλία) – Brotherly Love or Friendship
Definition: Philia is the love of friendship and companionship. It represents deep friendship and trust between people who share a mutual respect and care for one another.
– Biblical Context: Philia is expressed in John 15:13 (ESV): “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This verse illustrates the selfless nature of philia, highlighting the bond between friends who are willing to make sacrifices for one another.
4. Agape (ἀγάπη) – Unconditional, Divine Love
Definition: Agape is the highest form of love, characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love. It is the love God has for humanity and the love He calls believers to show toward others.
– Biblical Context: 1 John 4:8 (ESV): “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse emphasizes that agape is central to the character of God and is the type of love Christians are called to emulate. Another example is John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” which shows God’s agape love in action.
These four types of love provide a comprehensive understanding of the various ways love is expressed in relationships, both human and divine, according to the Bible.
My Final Thoughts:
In examining the secular phrase “love is love” and contrasting it with biblical teachings, we see a significant divergence in how love is understood and practiced. The modern understanding often emphasizes individual autonomy, emotional satisfaction, and the equality of all forms of love, seeking to validate diverse relationships without imposing traditional or religious boundaries. This inclusivity challenges historical views, promoting a broader acceptance of different expressions of love. However, this perspective is sometimes criticized for oversimplifying the complexities of relationships and overlooking the moral and ethical dimensions that traditionally guide love.
In contrast, the Bible presents love as a multifaceted, deeply rooted commitment that goes beyond emotions to encompass selflessness, endurance, and unconditional care. Biblical love, as described in passages like 1 Corinthians 13 (ESV), calls for a love that is sacrificial, enduring, and action-oriented—centered on the well-being of others rather than personal fulfillment. While “love is love” reflects a cultural shift towards embracing diversity in relationships, the biblical perspective invites a deeper exploration of love as a covenantal and enduring commitment, grounded in selflessness and the example of Christ. This contrast highlights the ongoing dialogue between modern secular values and traditional religious teachings on the nature of love.
Contact Me: [email protected]
Copyright Notice © 2024 Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn, ThD, to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.
