Defining Love

The following is an excerpt from my sermon "God's Love for the Family," based on I John 4:7-21, November 29, 2009, ICC.

What is love?

I John 4:16 says ‘God is love’ … but it does NOT say ‘love is God.' It isn’t that our theory of love is divine, rather God is the one who gives to us the meaning of love. Our love does not define God–rather God is the source of love. John makes clear it is not what we do or think or plan – but love is what God has done for us.

a. Love is … sacrificing to make things right

v. 10 – 'This is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.'

This is the heart of the gospel message. We were separated from God by sin and God sent His son to DIE for our sins, so that we can be forgiven, so we can be right with God. God’s love is not shown as human virtue or meritorious acts. It is shown in Christ’s sacrifice. That is how great His love is for us; he was willing to sacrifice in order to restore our relationship with him.

So we are also called to sacrifice for the good of our relationships. Not just for sake of sacrificing, not to be a martyr, not to have one up on the other … but to make things right. When we do this we are reflecting God’s love.

b. Love is … empowering others to do what is right

v. 9 – 'This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.'

He sent His son … so that we might have life. His love is for our benefit. It strengthens, empowers us. Makes us whole. Thus our love for others should be for their good – to empower, build them up. It is never about our selfish gain.

c. Love is … replacing fear with security

vv. 17-18 – 'In this way love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment … there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.'

Cicero wrote in the 1st Century that people who were afraid of ruling authorities had no loyalty to them. But rulers that were benevolent inspired commitment from their followers. We have security because of God’s love. We do not have it because of our own goodness or our own worth … but because of God’s character. So we are called to love others in a way that gives them security and removes fear. Saying ‘You can count on me’ grants to them security/safety in uncertain future.


Love is ... sacrificing to make things right, empowering others to do what is right, replacing fear with security. This is the definition of love that God has given to us and the model He has shown to us in Jesus Christ.