Is love described as a choice or a feeling in the Bible?

Love is one of the most profound and central themes in the Bible, and it is depicted in various ways throughout the scriptures. To understand whether love is described as a choice or a feeling, we need to delve into the multifaceted nature of love as presented in biblical texts. The Bible provides a rich tapestry of descriptions, commands, and examples that illustrate love as both a feeling and a choice, but with a significant emphasis on the latter.

One of the most significant passages that speaks to the nature of love is 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter." The Apostle Paul writes:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, NIV)

In this passage, Paul describes love not as a fleeting emotion but as a series of actions and attitudes. Patience, kindness, humility, and perseverance are all choices we make, often in the face of difficult circumstances. This suggests that love, according to Paul, is primarily an act of the will rather than merely an emotional state.

Furthermore, Jesus' teachings in the Gospels reinforce the concept of love as a choice. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarizes the entirety of the Law and the Prophets with two commandments:

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Loving God and loving our neighbors are presented as commandments, implying that they are actions we are called to choose, regardless of our feelings. This is further emphasized in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about loving our enemies:

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:43-45a, NIV)

Loving one's enemies is undoubtedly challenging and goes against our natural inclinations. It requires a deliberate choice to act in love, even when we do not feel like it. This act of loving our enemies is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love as a choice.

The Bible also provides numerous examples of love as a choice through the lives of its characters. One of the most poignant examples is the story of Ruth and Naomi. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own families. However, Ruth chooses to stay with Naomi, expressing her commitment with these words:

"But Ruth replied, 'Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'" (Ruth 1:16-17, NIV)

Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi is a profound act of love and loyalty. It is a conscious choice that goes beyond mere feeling, demonstrating the depth and commitment of true love.

While the Bible emphasizes love as a choice, it does not entirely dismiss the emotional aspect of love. Feelings are an integral part of our human experience, and the Bible acknowledges this. For instance, in the Song of Solomon, we find a poetic and passionate depiction of romantic love:

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine." (Song of Solomon 1:2, NIV)

This book celebrates the emotional and physical dimensions of love between a bride and groom, highlighting the joy and delight that love can bring. However, even in this context, love is more than just an emotion; it involves commitment and mutual respect.

C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Four Loves," explores the different types of love described in the Bible: storge (affection), philia (friendship), eros (romantic love), and agape (unconditional love). Lewis emphasizes that agape love, which is the highest form of love, is characterized by selflessness and is a deliberate choice to seek the well-being of others. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of love as an act of the will.

In summary, the Bible presents love as both a feeling and a choice, but with a significant emphasis on the latter. While emotions are an important aspect of love, the scriptures consistently highlight love as a deliberate action, a commitment to act in the best interest of others, even when it is difficult. This understanding of love as a choice is foundational to Christian living and is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who commanded us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35).

Ultimately, love in the biblical sense transcends mere feelings and calls us to a higher standard of selfless, sacrificial, and enduring commitment. It challenges us to choose love in every circumstance, reflecting the unconditional love that God has for us.