Ellen G. White on Human Love: Definitions and Insights

Divine love is a profound and beautiful principle, central to the Christian experience. It is a transformative power that shapes our character and guides our interactions with God and one another.

Here are some insights into the nature of love:

Love is a pure and holy principle, distinct from base passions. It operates on an intellectual basis, involving a deep and thorough knowledge of the object loved, rather than mere impulse or fleeting emotion. True love is calm and deep, attracted by noble qualities, and its devotion is real and abidingCCh 115.1+5. The love that gives kindness to only a few is not true love, but selfishnessCOL 352.4+1. It is the ruling principle in a heart renewed by divine grace, modifying character, governing impulses, controlling passions, and ennobling affections2T 476.1+1.

...t blemish.” This is the quality of love in the married relation which God recognizes as holy. Love is a pure and holy principle. Lustful passion will not admit of restraint, and will not be dictated or controlled by reason. It ...— SA 171.2 (1870)

...ttle real, genuine, devoted, pure love. This precious article is very rare. Passion is termed love. True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse, and which suddenly ...— CCh 114.4 (1991)

...ch suddenly dies when severely tested.3Patriarchs and Prophets, 176. True Love Versus Passion—Love ... is not unreasonable; it is not blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion of the natural heart is another thing altogether. While pure love will take God in...— AH 50.3 (1952)

God's Love Beyond Definition—The love of Christ is a golden chain that binds finite, human beings who believe in Jesus Christ to the infinite God. The love that the ...— 2MCP 801.4 (1977)

...al advantages are talents, and are to be used for the benefit of all within reach of our influence. The love that gives kindness to only a few is not love, but selfishness. It will not in any way work for the good of souls or the glory of God. Those who thus leave their ...— COL 352.4 (1900)

True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals, and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating...— CCh 115.1 (1991)

... blemish.” This is the quality of love in the marriage relation which God recognizes as holy. Love is a pure and holy principle; but lustful passion will not admit of restraint, and will not be dictated to or controlled by reas...— 2T 473.1 (1885)

The love of Christ is a golden chain that binds finite human beings, who believe in Jesus Christ, to the infinite God2MCP 801.4+3. This divine love is not merely a negation of evil but a positive and active principle, a living spring continually flowing to bless others1MCP 249.3. God Himself is love, and this principle is the very foundation of His kingdomDD 15.3+5. The law of God, which defines our duty to Him and to our neighbor, is itself a law of loveST September 22, 1898, par. 4+2. This love is not an impulse but a divine principle and a permanent power, originating only in the heart where Jesus reigns 1 John 4:191MCP 206.2+1.

...rchfiend clothes with his own attributes the Creator and Benefactor of mankind. Cruelty is satanic. God is love; and all that He created was pure, holy, and lovely, until sin was brought in by the first great re...— DD 15.3 (1997)

...eard from the pulpits of today that the law is not binding, but this cannot be. Christ says, “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous.” How could we know what sin is, unless we could look ...— ST May 27, 1889, par. 1 (1874)

The law of God, plainly defined by Christ, is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others a...— ST September 22, 1898, par. 4 (1874)

The love of Christ is a golden chain that binds finite, human beings who believe in Jesus Christ to the infinite God. The love that the ...— 11LtMs, Lt 43, 1896, par. 2

... defines the true spirit that magnifies the law and fulfills it by perfect obedience. It shows that the law of God is a law of love— 11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 11

...ion of His holy love, pity, kindness, and tenderness of heart, is to be imparted to all their zeal. Love is to be interwoven as threads of gold in all their actions— 20MR 76.3 (1993)

Genuine love, or charity, suffers long and is kind; it does not envy, boast, or behave unseemly; it does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil 1 Corinthians 13:4, 511MR 261.1. It will not create distrust or evil work, but rather hates the sin while loving the sinnerSpTA01b 31.1. This heaven-born love distinguishes Christians from worldlings and carries a powerful, purifying influenceT16 68.1+1.

...the impulsive tongue or hand, but the loving pulsation of the converted heart, are from God. “God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16.] And when Chris...— 17LtMs, Lt 175, 1902, par. 9

True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse, and which suddenly ...— MYP 466.2 (1930)

...and unselfish love for one another—this is the best gift that our heavenly Father can bestow. This love is not an impulse but a divine principle, a permanent power. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate or produce it. Only in the heart where Jesus reigns is it...— 1MCP 206.2 (1977)

True Love Preparation for Successful Marriage—True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly d...— 1MCP 213.2 (1977)

The Little Acts Which Reveal True Love—Love can no more exist without revealing itself in outward acts than fire can be kept alive without fuel. You, Brother C, have felt that it was beneath your dignit...— 1MCP 215.3 (1977)

The love of God is something that "passeth knowledge"; no science can define or explain it, and no human wisdom can fathom its depths2MCP 801.4+4. It is demonstrated by His laying down His life for us, prompting us to lay down our lives for our brethren 1 John 3:1613LtMs, Ms 82, 1898, par. 27. The atonement of Christ was not the cause of God's love, but the result of that immeasurable loveRH September 2, 1890, par. 7.

God's Love a Living Spring—The love of God is something more than a mere negation; it is a positive and active principle, a living spring, ever flowing to bless others. If the love of Christ dwells in us, we shall not on...— 1MCP 249.3 (1977)

...estimated. Not only are they a blessing to the receiver, but to the giver; for they react upon him. Genuine love is a precious attribute of heavenly origin, which increases in fragrance in proportion as it is dispensed to others...— 5BC 1140.4 (1956)

It is the greatest and most fatal deception to suppose that a man can have faith unto life eternal, without possessing Christlike love for his brethren. He who love...— 5BC 1141.4 (1956)

A cultivated intellect is a great treasure; but without the softening influence of sympathy and sanctified love, it is not of the highest value. We should have words and ...— 3T 539.2 (1885)

True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating,...— 2T 133.2 (1885)

Christ's love is deep and earnest, flowing like an irrepressible stream, and it contains no selfishness14LtMs, Ms 17, 1899, par. 9. It is our first love and must ever remain so, distinguishing us from worldly waysYI January 10, 1895, par. 5. Even when our hearts are destitute of unselfish love, they are like a beautiful flower without fragranceBEcho June 1, 1887, par. 11. True love is a living principle, manifest in action, and wherever it exists, it controls the lifeAUCR June 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 1.

...e are necessary, as well as moral courage and fortitude. Strength and grace can be found in prayer. Sincere love is to be the ruling principle of the heart. Love to God and love to the husband can alone be the right ground of action— 2T 476.1 (1885)

...ust be led to behold the riches of the eternal world, until they are encouraged, animated, and won. The love of Jesus must be the motive of all effort. It impels, it constrains, it captivates.—Sabbath-School Worker, August and September, 1896— TSS 104.3 (1900)

Intellectual Basis of True Love—Love is a sentiment so sacred that but few know what it is. It is a term used but not understood. The warm glow of impulse, the fascination of one young perso...— TSB 21.2 (1989)

...pulse, the fascination of one young person for another, is not love; it does not deserve the name. True love has an intellectual basis, a deep, thorough knowledge of the object loved. But this catching up with objects and bestowing on them the thoughts and affections, is without re...— TSB 21.2 (1989)

Experience of Others a Warning—Mr. A has a nature that Satan plays upon with wonderful success. This case is one that should teach the young a lesson...— AH 85.2 (1952)

It is not true, holy love which leads the wife to gratify the animal propensities of her husband at the expense of health and life. If she possesses true love and wisdom, she will seek to divert...— PH011 56.3 (1870)

The love of Jesus in the heart leads to humility of life and obedience to all His commandments; a love that goes no further than the lips will not save any soul4LtMs, Ms 26, 1885, par. 16. The love of Jesus in the soul never leads to malice and envy, and the tender plant of Christlike love must be carefully cherished and cultivated4LtMs, Ms 26, 1886, par. 15.

...e Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. Sin is not to be cloaked, but to be taken away. The love that is of heavenly birth is a resistless power, and it can be obtained only by a living connection with God. Would you move the hearts of men, you...— SpTA01b 31.1 (1892)

... and felt. The power of the love of Christ, “that passeth knowledge,” will be revealed. The kingdom of God is founded upon infinite love, compassion, and purity. In perfect obedience is found perfect joy— SpTB02 18.2 (1904)

It is the acts of faith and sacrifice in the so-called little things of life, the Spirit of Christ manifested at home, in the field, in the workshop, as well as in the church, that m...— PH078 19.2 (1912)

...ed by the Holy Spirit of truth and righteousness. Religion is to become a living, active principle. The one all-absorbing motive of the true Christian is to give an expression of the goodness and love of Christ— LLM 318.7 (1981)

This heaven-born love is not selfish and changeable. It is not a love dependent on human praise. The heart of him who drinks the blood of the Son of Go...— PrT August 31, 1899, par. 6 (1885)

We wish to impress upon our people who claim to believe the truth for this time that they need to heed the counsel of the True Witness, w...— YI January 10, 1895, par. 5 (1852)

...ised in a right direction would make the life good and useful. But whatever their gifts and graces, while their hearts are destitute of the principle of unselfish love, they are at best like a beautiful flower possessing no fragrance. The fragrant flower, though simple and unpretending, is much to be preferred— BEcho June 1, 1887, par. 11 (1886)

True love is not merely a sentiment or an emotion. It is a living principle, a principle that is manifest in action. True love, wherever it exists, will control the life. Thus...— AUCR June 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 1 (1898)

...tion. True love, wherever it exists, will control the life. Thus it is with the love of God. “God is love;” and in all His works, in all His dealings with mankind, His character is revealed— AUCR June 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 1 (1898)

...r souls are in peril, but they are unconscious and unconcerned. In this parable Christ teaches that even those who are indifferent to the claims of God, are the objects of His pitying love. They are to be sought for, that they may be brought back to God— AUCR July 1, 1900, par. 4 (1898)

The love of Christ is a golden chain binding finite human beings to the infinite God. This love passes our knowledge. Human science can ...— ST April 16, 1902, par. 1 (1874)

We feel deeply thankful that some of our brethren are making an application of the truth to their own souls, through which new hopes and joys are sure to find place within the heart. ...— RH September 2, 1890, par. 7 (1851)

... shall we liken it?” He could find nothing on earth that would serve as a perfect comparison. His court is one where holy love presides, and whose offices and appointments are graced by the exercise of charity. He charges his servants ...— RH March 19, 1908, par. 5 (1851)

True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to God’s will. We are to be sanctified through obeying...— ULe 206.5 (2010)

True sanctification means perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect conformity to the will of God. We are to be sanctified through obedienc...— TT 296.5 (1984)

True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. It is, on the contrary, an element calm and deep. It looks beyond mere externals, and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating...— T16 26.1 (1868)

...work God requires you to perform. Christ is your pattern. That in which you are deficient, is love. This pure principle, holy love, distinguishes the character and conduct of Christians from worldlings. Divine love has a powerful, purifying influence. It is to be found in the renewed heart, and where...— T16 68.1 (1868)

...the love of Jesus, that faith in Jesus is all we need—but these souls must be instructed that the love of Jesus in the heart will lead to humility of life and obedience to all His commandments. He that saith, I know Him and keepeth not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him. ...— 4LtMs, Ms 26, 1885, par. 16 (1883)

.... He that saith, I know Him and keepeth not His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him. The love of Jesus that goes no further than the lips will not save any soul, but be a great delusion— 4LtMs, Ms 26, 1885, par. 16 (1883)

...ruction enjoining us to show in speech love, patience, and respect in our treatment of one another. The love of Jesus in the soul never leads to malice and envy. The tender plant of Christlike love must be carefully cherished. It will not grow unless it is cul...— 4LtMs, Ms 26, 1886, par. 15 (1883)

“That which distinguishes the character and conduct of Christians from all others is the principle of holy, Christlike love, which works in the heart with its purifying influence. The true Christian will work the works of C...— 5LtMs, Ms 32, 1887, par. 12

...the most thorough labor, for the time is at hand when your work must bear the test of the judgment. You need love, pure, Christlike love, which is divine. Then you will have no hatred, you will manifest the fruits of the Spirit: joy, peace, long-sufferi...— 6LtMs, Lt 23, 1890, par. 50 (1889)

...l sacrifice his love for his heavenly Father for a wife, will also sell his wife for another woman. This quality of love is base; it is of this earth, and will never bear the test of trial— 11LtMs, Lt 18, 1896, par. 2

...ut in deed and in truth.” “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that...— 13LtMs, Ms 82, 1898, par. 27

Christ’s love is deep and earnest, flowing like an irrepressible stream to all who will accept it. There is no selfishness in His love. If this heaven-born love is ...— 14LtMs, Ms 17, 1899, par. 9

The real end of the gospel is to develop in human beings supreme, sanctified love for God and unselfish love for one another. This love is not a fitful impulse; it is not merely the exercise of benevolence, of philanthropy; ...— 18LtMs, Lt 181, 1903, par. 13

The real end of the gospel is to develop in human beings supreme, sanctified love for God and unselfish love for one another. This love is not a fitful impulse; it is not merely the exercise of benevolence, of philanthropy; it is the frui...— 18LtMs, Lt 181, 1903, par. 13

It is wonderful to consider the nature of love, especially as it pertains to our human experience and interactions with one another. Love, in its pure form, is meant to elevate and refine our characters, enriching every relationship.

Here are some insights into human love:

Love is a very precious plant that requires cultivation to flourish, and its tender growth expresses itself through one's entire characterFE 280.1.

...the Christian exercises his spiritual powers, he acquires no strength of character, no moral vigor. Love is a very precious plant and must be cultivated if it flourishes. The precious plant of love is to be treated tenderly (prac...— FE 280.1 (1923)

... Shed tears over them, but do not get angry with them. They are Christ's purchased possession. Let every one seek a character that will express love in all his actions. “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him tha...— FE 280.1 (1923)

Passion is sometimes termed love, though genuine, pure love is a rare and precious attributeCCh 114.4.

There is but little real, genuine, devoted, pure love. This precious article is very rare. Passion is termed love— CCh 114.4 (1991)

True love is a high and holy principle, distinct from the love that is merely impulse-driven and transient when testedLYL 29.4.

True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly dies when severely tested— LYL 29.4 (1983)

In the context of relationships, true love is like a plant that needs careful culture, and genuine affection will often overlook mistakes18MR 312.3.

True love is a plant that needs culture. Let the woman who desires a peaceful, happy union, who would escape future misery and sorrow, inqu...— 18MR 312.3 (1990)

Human love, unlike God's love, is characterized by being weak and changeable21MR 403.3.

Human love is weak and changeable, but God's love is full and deep and unchangeable. Why then are our souls not aglow as we cont...— 21MR 403.3 (1993)

The heart yearns for human love, though this love is often not strong, pure, or precious enough to take the place of Jesus' loveLYL 79.1.

The heart yearns for human love, but this love is not strong enough, or pure enough, or precious enough to supply the place of the love of Jesus. Only in her Saviour can the wife find wisdom, strength, a...— LYL 79.1 (1983)

True, pure love is a precious and heavenly influence, deep and abiding, not spasmodic or a selfish passion2T 416.2+1. This kind of love leads to a constant effort to make one's spouse happy, acting naturally and without force2T 416.2+1.

True, pure love is precious. It is heavenly in its influence. It is deep and abiding. It is not spasmodic in its manifestations. It is not a selfish passion. It bears fruit. It will lead to a constant effort to make your wife happy. If you have this love, ...— 2T 416.2 (1885)

Love is a pure and holy principle, distinct from lustful passion, which is unrestrained and not governed by reason2T 473.1.

... blemish.” This is the quality of love in the marriage relation which God recognizes as holy. Love is a pure and holy principle; but lustful passion will not admit of restraint, and will not be dictated to or controlled by reason. It is blind to consequences; it will not reas...— 2T 473.1 (1885)

Sentimental, earthly love, as depicted in novels, is sickly, impure, and a mere production of self, lacking refinement or lasting satisfactionT17 160.1+1. This quality of love is base, earthly, and will fail under trial, as it is not of divine origin11LtMs, Lt 18, 1896, par. 2.

You are pining for love. Jesus calls for your affections, which if you devote to him, will rid you of all this sickly, sentimental, impure, love, found in the pag...— T17 160.1 (1869)

...re it is not called for, where it will mislead, and pervert the experience of others in temptation. Their sentimental, unsanctified ideas of love are not refined, elevated or satisfying. It is a production of self and wholly human— 11LtMs, Ms 12c, 1896, par. 9

...l sacrifice his love for his heavenly Father for a wife, will also sell his wife for another woman. This quality of love is base; it is of this earth, and will never bear the test of trial— 11LtMs, Lt 18, 1896, par. 2

Pure love is the gold of Christian character, representing genuine faith that, when cultivated, leads to a rich experience in Christ13LtMs, Ms 61, 1898, par. 12.

...acter complete in Christ. If there were more faith, simple, trusting faith in Jesus, there would be love, pure love, which is the gold of Christian character. If the professed followers of Christ all understood His words with a will to practice them, everyt...— 13LtMs, Ms 61, 1898, par. 12

True love is not merely a sentiment or emotion, but a living principle that manifests in action and controls one's life15LtMs, Ms 21, 1900, par. 1.

True love is not merely a sentiment or an emotion. It is a living principle, a principle that is manifest in action. True love, wherever it exists, will control the life. Thus...— 15LtMs, Ms 21, 1900, par. 1