A Definition of Love

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Mar 4, 1913

A Definition of Love

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Rom. 13:10. This is a Bible definition of love. It certainly does not denote an abstract principle, but a living, concrete force. Fulfil is to perform, to accomplish. Then to substitute the definition for the word in the text, we have, “Love is the performing [or doing] of the law.” That this is the true interpretation is shown by another scripture: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3. Love will not only perform the letter of the law, but its spirit. It will delight to do it even as did Christ. Ps. 40:8. The Spirit of God has shed abroad in the heart the love of God (Rom. 5:5), and that love is manifested in keeping the law of love. The love of God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit, enables us to obey the law. “The righteousness [the spirit as well as the letter] of the law” is “fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:4.