Love is popularly regarded as an emotion. The main problem with this is that the Bible does not define it this way. In fact, if this anti-Christian definition is used as the operating principle, it would annihilate the reality and stability inherent in the biblical idea.

Does “love your neighbor as yourself” mean “have this affectionate feeling toward your neighbor, just as you have this feeling about yourself”? Done! But this does not necessarily mean that I would lift a finger to help him, even if he is starving or drowning. The definition may imply that I would help, but it does not compel this action – it is not inherent in the idea of an emotion. Does “speak the truth in love” mean “speak the truth with an affectionate feeling or with soft words in a gentle tone”? If so, then what motivates me, what compels me, to speak the truth with this feeling or in this manner? Does “love God with all your heart, and mind, and strength” mean “have this affectionate feeling toward God with all your being?” Done! But does this mean that I have to believe in him, obey him, or trust in Jesus Christ?

If it is said that although emotion might not be the definitive element in love, it is nevertheless one that is included in the definition of love, then what happens when I do not have this feeling toward someone? Do I still act in a manner that God commands? Do I still speak the truth? Suppose I “love” a friend so much – have such a strong affection for him – that I would sacrifice my life for him. But what if he falls into a river minutes after we had a fight, and I am still angry with him? Do I save him? Is there anything in me at that moment that I can call love, that would compel me to save him? The Bible says, “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8), but if it is this unreliable, then it is something that constantly fails. We would be better off with law.

If it is admitted that emotion is not necessary to love, but that it is only a part of the definition, the same problem remains. When is it not necessary? If it is sometimes necessary, then it remains just as unreliable and unpredictable. If it is never necessary, then this means that it is not really part of the definition at all. If emotion is never necessary to love, then it is never a part of the definition. Rather, the feeling of affection is incidental to love. There is a correlation, but not a necessary or proportionate relationship.

The Bible portrays love as a benevolent disposition that results in the corresponding expression, or action. The standards that define benevolence and the actions that correspond to it are revealed by God in the Scripture. These are explicit and inflexible, so that true love is always reliable. It may or may not be accompanied by an emotion of affection. One who loves operates by principles, not feelings. He will save his friend even if he is totally mortified. He will rescue his enemy, even if he has no good feelings toward him. Thus love drives out fear, doubt, unbiblical prejudice, unwarranted division, and all base and evil things. In light of this, the popular idea of love appears utterly inferior and unworthy, although even Christians favor it. It is preferred because it is easier, since it is only the “love” of brutes. People define love as an emotion because they do not want to walk in love.

Paul writes that love is the summary and fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:9-10). In other words, love enables a person to grasp the law and do what it says. And when Paul says this, he provides explicit examples on what love summarizes and fulfills: “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and he adds, “and whatever other commandment.” So love is not a replacement for God’s laws and commands; rather, it ensures that we take them up in one gulp and do all that they say. One who loves will not commit adultery, will not murder, will not steal, and so on. Also, two people cannot engage in adultery, homosexuality, or the like, and claim to do so out of love for each other. By definition, these actions are contrary to love, because they are contrary to God’s laws.

Love is a summary of these laws, and these laws are the specific aspects or implications of love. Just as the law is independent of emotions, although our emotions may correspond to the law, love is independent of emotions, although our emotions may correspond to love. Then, the Bible says, “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (Romans 8:7). Since love is a disposition that results in the fulfillment of the law – the doing of the law – this means that non-Christians can never possess it or exercise it, even if they are so overcome with emotions that they bleed from every orifice in their bodies. A person can walk in love only after he has been inwardly converted by God’s gracious action, and this change is evidenced by faith in Jesus Christ.