Christian love is a widely used term that refers to the love that is taught in Christianity. Its spelling is represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈkrɪstʃən ˈlʌv/. The first syllable "christ" is pronounced as "krist" while the second syllable "ian" is pronounced as "ʃən". "Love" is pronounced as "lʌv". The spelling of this phrase emphasizes the role of Christianity in promoting love, which is considered one of the central virtues in Christian faith.
Christian love, also referred to as agape love, can be defined as an unconditional and selfless love that reflects the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. It is a central concept in Christianity, emphasizing the importance of love both towards God and towards fellow human beings.
Christian love is characterized by its sacrificial nature, as it transcends personal desires and preferences. It is not contingent upon the actions or worthiness of the recipient, but rather an intentional choice to love others without expecting anything in return. This type of love originates from a genuine desire to reflect God's love and to emulate the love that Christ demonstrated during his earthly life.
In Christian theology, love is considered to be the greatest commandment, as Jesus himself taught that believers are to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves. Christian love encompasses compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and empathy, extending even to those who may be considered enemies or strangers. It seeks to uplift, encourage, and support others, always striving to do good and promote the wellbeing of others.
Christian love is rooted in the understanding that all human beings are created in the image of God and are therefore deserving of love and respect. It recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual and seeks to foster unity, harmony, and reconciliation among people, regardless of their differences or shortcomings.
As Christians strive to embody this love, they aim to create a more compassionate, just, and loving world, reflecting the divine love that they have received.
The etymology of the term "Christian love" can be broken down as follows:
1. Christian: This word originates from the Greek word "Christianos", which means "follower of Christ". It is derived from the Greek word "Christos", which means "anointed one" or "Messiah". The term was initially used in Antioch during the early Christian era to identify the disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Love: The English term "love" can be traced back to the Old English word "lufu", which is believed to have Indo-European roots. It is also related to the Old High German word "luft", the Gothic word "lubo", and the Sanskrit word "lubhyati", all of which mean "to desire" or "to love".