Love is one of the most powerful themes in the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s love woven into every story, every promise, and every command. But love isn’t just something we receive, it’s something we’re called to live out every single day.
As a Christian, I’ve found that love is at the heart of everything. It’s how we connect with God, how we build relationships, and how we show the world who Jesus is. Whether it’s God’s unconditional love for us, the love we share with family and friends, or the love we express in marriage, the Bible gives us countless verses to guide us.
If you’re searching for encouragement, reassurance, or just a reminder of what true love looks like, you’re in the right place. These 45 Bible verses about love will help you understand God’s love for you and inspire you to love others with the same grace and kindness.
Let’s dive in and discover what the Bible says about love!
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
If you’ve ever wondered, What does the Bible say about love? you’re not alone. Love is mentioned hundreds of times in Scripture because it’s central to God’s character and His plan for us. In fact, 1 John 4:8 (NIV) tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
But love in the Bible isn’t just about feelings or emotions. It’s about action. It’s about how we treat others, how we serve, how we forgive, and how we put others before ourselves. The Bible teaches us that real love is selfless, patient, and full of grace.
The Four Types of Love in the Bible
The Bible speaks of different kinds of love, each with its own depth and meaning. Understanding these can help us love more intentionally and fully.
- Agape Love – God’s Unconditional Love
This is the highest form of love, the kind God has for us. It’s selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. No matter what we do, God’s love never changes.
Romans 5:8 (NLT) – “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
- Phileo Love – Brotherly Love
This is the love between friends, a deep bond of loyalty and affection. It’s the kind of love that makes friendships and Christian fellowship strong.
John 15:13 (ESV) – “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
- Eros Love – Romantic Love
This is the passionate love between a husband and wife. God designed this love to be celebrated within marriage.
Song of Solomon 8:7 (NIV) – “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.”
- Storge Love – Family Love
This is the love that binds families together—the deep affection between parents, children, and siblings.
Exodus 20:12 (KJV) – “Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
Love in Action: Living Out Biblical Love
Love in the Bible is something we’re called to live out every day. Jesus told us in John 13:34 (NIV), “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” That means love is how we treat people, we forgive, and how we show kindness even when it’s hard.
As we explore these 45 Bible verses about love, let’s keep this truth in mind: Love isn’t just something we receive, it’s something we give. And when we love like Jesus, we reflect the heart of God to the world.
45 Powerful Bible Verses About Love
The Bible is filled with verses about love, God’s love for us, our love for Him, and how we are to love others. Below, I’ve gathered some of the most powerful scriptures on love.
Bible Verses About God’s Love for Us
1. John 3:16 (King James Version – KJV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
2. Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version – NIV)
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3. 1 John 4:9-10 (English Standard Version – ESV)
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
4. Zephaniah 3:17 (New Living Translation – NLT)
“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
5. Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”
Bible Verses About Loving Others
6. Mark 12:31 (NIV)
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
7. 1 John 4:7 (NLT)
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”
8. Romans 12:10 (ESV)
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
9. Galatians 5:13 (KJV)
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
10. Luke 6:35 (NIV)
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
Bible Verses About Romantic Love
11. Song of Solomon 8:7 (NLT)
“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.”
12. Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
13. Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
14. Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
15. 1 Corinthians 7:3 (NLT)
“The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs.”
Bible Verses About Self-Love and Confidence in Christ
16. Psalm 139:14 (KJV)
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
17. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
18. Matthew 22:39 (ESV)
“And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
19. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
20. Isaiah 43:4 (KJV)
“Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.”
Bible Verses About Love and Forgiveness
21. Colossians 3:13-14 (NIV)
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
22. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
23. Matthew 6:14 (KJV)
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
24. Luke 23:34 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
25. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Bible Verses About Love and Kindness
26. Proverbs 10:12 (KJV)
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
27. Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
28. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NLT)
“And do everything with love.”
29. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
30. Proverbs 3:3-4 (KJV)
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”
Bible Verses About God’s Everlasting Love
31. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
32. Psalm 136:26 (ESV)
“Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
33. Isaiah 54:10 (KJV)
“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.”
34. Romans 5:5 (NLT)
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
35. Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
Bible Verses About Love and Faith
36. 1 Corinthians 13:2 (KJV)
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.”
37. Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
38. John 15:13 (NLT)
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
39. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NIV)
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
40. Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Bible Verses About Love in Action
41. Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
42. James 2:8 (NLT)
“Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
43. Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
44. Philippians 2:2 (KJV)
“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
45. 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.”
How to Apply These Bible Verses About Love in Daily Life
It’s one thing to read about love in the Bible, but it’s another to live it out daily. Jesus didn’t just preach about love, He demonstrated it in everything He did. As believers, we’re called to do the same. Here are practical ways to apply these scriptures and reflect Christ’s love in our daily lives.
1. Show Love Through Acts of Kindness
Love is action. Simple gestures like helping a neighbor, listening to a friend, or offering encouragement can reflect the love of Christ.
1 John 3:18 (NIV) – “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Practical Step: Set a goal to perform one intentional act of kindness daily, whether it’s sending an encouraging message, praying for someone, or giving a helping hand.
2. Practice Forgiveness and Grace
Loving others means learning to forgive, even when it’s hard. The Bible reminds us that just as God forgives us, we should extend grace to others.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) – “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Practical Step: If you’re holding onto bitterness or anger, take a moment to pray for a forgiving heart. Ask God to help you release resentment and replace it with love.
3. Strengthen Romantic Relationships with Biblical Love
For married couples and those in relationships, love should be rooted in patience, selflessness, and faithfulness just as Christ loves the Church.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (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.”
Practical Step: Spend time praying together as a couple, studying God’s Word, and making love-centered decisions in your relationship.
4. Love Your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Hurt You
One of the hardest but most powerful expressions of love is praying for those who wrong us. Jesus taught that love isn’t just for those who love us back, it extends even to our enemies.
Matthew 5:44 (KJV) – “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Practical Step: Make a list of people you struggle to love. Pray for them daily, asking God to soften your heart and help you see them as He does.
5. Love God Above All Else
The greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. When we put Him first, His love overflows into every area of our lives.
Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Practical Step: Dedicate time each day to deepen your relationship with God, through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
6. Love Yourself as God Loves You
God’s love is not for others but it’s for you, too. Many struggle with self-worth, but Scripture reminds us that we are wonderfully made and deeply loved by God.
Psalm 139:14 (KJV) – “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Practical Step: Replace negative self-talk with God’s truth. Speak life over yourself, reminding yourself that you are loved, valued, and created with purpose.
A Closing Prayer for Love
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of love. Your Word reminds us that love is the greatest commandment, and through You, we have the perfect example of what true love looks like. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love so that we may love others selflessly, just as You love us.
Teach us to show kindness, extend grace, and forgive as You forgive. Help us to love even when it’s difficult to love our enemies, to be patient in our relationships, and to reflect Your love in all we do. Strengthen our marriages, friendships, and families with the bond of love, and remind us that nothing can separate us from Your unfailing love. May we walk in love daily, not just in words but in actions, glorifying You in everything we do. Let our lives be a testimony of Your amazing love, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Final Thoughts: Walking in Love Every Day
Love is a choice we make every day. When we choose love, we reflect the heart of God to those around us. Whether in our families, friendships, marriages, or even with strangers, love should be the foundation of everything we do.
Let’s take these 45 Bible verses about love to heart and put them into action. As we do, may our lives be a testimony of God’s amazing love, shining brightly for all to see.