Biblical Quotes About Love: Verses on Agape, Eros, & More

Love, in its myriad forms, is a cornerstone of the human experience and a central theme throughout the Bible. More than just an emotion, biblical love is a principle, a choice, and a reflection of God's own character. This article explores Bible verses about love, delving into the different facets of love as defined by scripture, from unconditional agape to the familial warmth of storge. By understanding these scripture on love, we can gain deeper insights into the biblical definition of love and how to apply it to our lives.

What is Agape Love? (Unconditional Love)

Agape love is arguably the highest form of love described in the Bible. It's unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial, reflecting God's love for humanity. This love isn't based on feelings but on a conscious choice to act in the best interests of others, regardless of their worthiness.

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the ultimate expression of agape love: God's sacrifice for humanity's salvation.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "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." This passage beautifully describes the characteristics of agape love in action.
Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse highlights the unconditional nature of God's love, extending even to those who are undeserving.
Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus calls us to extend agape love even to our enemies, a challenging but transformative practice.
1 John 4:8: "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." This powerful statement connects love directly to the essence of God's being.
1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us." Our capacity for love is a direct result of God's initial love for us.
Ephesians 5:2: "And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." We are called to emulate Christ's sacrificial love in our own lives.
Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." Agape love is a product of the Holy Spirit working within us.

What is Eros Love? (Romantic Love)

Eros love, often associated with romantic love, is characterized by passion, desire, and physical attraction within the context of marriage. While the Bible doesn't explicitly use the word "eros," it celebrates the beauty and importance of marital love. Understanding love in the Bible requires acknowledging the sacred role of eros within its proper boundaries.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7: "Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love, rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned." This passage illustrates the intense passion and unwavering commitment associated with eros love within marriage.
Proverbs 5:18-19: "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love." This verse celebrates the joy and fulfillment found in marital intimacy.
Genesis 2:24: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." This verse highlights the foundational unity and connection inherent in the marriage relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5: "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." This passage emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and physical intimacy within marriage.
Hebrews 13:4: "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity.
Ephesians 5:25: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Husbands are called to emulate Christ's sacrificial love in their relationships with their wives.
Titus 2:4-5: "Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." This verse highlights the importance of women loving their families and maintaining a virtuous home.
Proverbs 12:4: "A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." This verse emphasizes the value of a virtuous and supportive wife.

What is Phileo Love? (Brotherly/Friendship Love)

Phileo love refers to the affection and loyalty found in friendships and brotherly relationships. It's a bond of mutual respect, shared interests, and deep connection. This form of love is vital for building community and supporting one another.

John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." Jesus highlights the ultimate sacrifice as an expression of phileo love.
Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." This verse encourages mutual respect and devotion within relationships.
Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse emphasizes the steadfastness of true friendship.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." We are called to uplift and support our friends and brothers in Christ.
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage highlights the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement.
Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This verse promotes selflessness and consideration for others in our relationships.
Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." We are called to support and assist our friends in times of need.
James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." This verse emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and mutual support in our relationships.

What is Storge Love? (Familial Love)

Storge love describes the natural affection and bond between family members. It's a love that is often inherent and deeply ingrained, characterized by loyalty, care, and a sense of belonging.

Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" This passage emphasizes the importance of children honoring and respecting their parents.
Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This verse highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children in accordance with God's teachings.
Psalm 127:3: "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." This verse celebrates the blessing of children and their value within the family.
1 Timothy 5:8: "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." This verse underscores the responsibility of family members to care for one another.
Luke 15:20: "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the unconditional love and forgiveness that characterizes storge love.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Parents are called to actively teach their children about God's word.
Matthew 19:14: "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'" Jesus welcomes and embraces children, highlighting their importance.
Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Obedience is a key aspect of the parent-child relationship.

How to Apply Biblical Love to Your Life

Understanding the different types of Christian love quotes and verses is just the first step. Applying these principles to our daily lives requires conscious effort and a willingness to grow in love. Strive to practice agape love by extending compassion and forgiveness to others, even when it's difficult. Nurture eros love within the bonds of marriage through communication, intimacy, and mutual respect. Cultivate phileo love by building strong friendships and supporting those around you. Cherish storge love by prioritizing family and nurturing those relationships.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Love in Scripture

The Bible offers a rich tapestry of teachings on love, encompassing agape, eros, phileo, and storge. By studying these Bible verses about love and striving to embody these principles, we can deepen our understanding of God's love and cultivate more meaningful relationships in our lives. Let the enduring power of love in scripture guide your actions and shape your interactions with the world.