Expression of Love in Christian Relationships and Marriage
Expression of Love in Christian Relationships and Marriage
The expression of love is a fundamental aspect of Christian relationships and marriage, rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified through various acts and attitudes. In the Christian context, love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and action, as highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, where Christian love is described as willing to give up one's own desires for the good of others [7].
In marriage, the expression of love is particularly significant. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church, giving himself up for it (Ephesians 5:25) [3, 8]. This sacrificial love is a hallmark of Christian marriage, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the church. The biblical model for marital love is thus characterized by selflessness and a willingness to put the other's needs first.
The expression of love in Christian relationships extends beyond marriage to include brotherly affection and love for one another. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to add "brotherly affection" to their faith, and to add "love" to their brotherly affection (2 Peter 1:7) [4]. This love is demonstrated through acts of kindness, compassion, and service to one another.
Physical expressions of affection, such as kissing, are also part of the biblical landscape of love and relationships. In biblical times, kissing was a common greeting among relatives and friends, signifying affection and respect [1, 2]. The "kiss of love" or "kiss of charity" was practiced in early Christian communities as a symbol of brotherly love and unity (1 Peter 5:14; Romans 16:16) [6].
The Greek language distinguishes between different forms of love, with "agape" referring to a selfless, sacrificial love, and "phileo" indicating a deeper affection or friendship. Jesus' conversation with Peter after his resurrection highlights this distinction, as Jesus uses "agapas" (agape) when asking Peter if he loves him, while Peter responds with "philo" (John 21:16-17) [5].
In Christian marriage, mutual respect and submission are also key components of expressing love. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, while husbands are to love their wives sacrificially (Ephesians 5:22-33) [9, 8]. This mutual respect and love reflect the union between Christ and the church.
The expression of love in Christian relationships is not limited to emotional feelings but is demonstrated through actions and attitudes that prioritize the well-being of others. As Calvin notes, the edification of the church is dear to God, and expressions of love and affection among believers serve as a testimony to their commitment to God [10].
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Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Kiss — Kissing the lips by way of affectionate salutation was customary among near relatives of both sexes, in both patriarchal and later times. (Genesis 29:11; Song of Solomon 8:1) Between individuals of the same sex, and in a limited degree between those of different sexes, the kiss on the cheek as a mark of respect or an act of salutation has at all times been customary in the East, and can hardly be said to be extinct even in Europe. In the Christian Church the kiss of charity was practiced not only as a friendly salutation, but as an act symbolical of love and Ch”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Kiss — Of affection (Gen. 27:26, 27; 29:13; Luke 7:38, 45); reconciliation (Gen. 33:4; 2 Sam. 14:33); leave-taking (Gen. 31:28, 55; Ruth 1:14; 2 Sam. 19:39); homage (Ps. 2:12; 1 Sam. 10:1); spoken of as between parents and children (Gen. 27:26; 31:28, 55; 48:10; 50:1; Ex. 18:7; Ruth 1:9, 14); between male relatives (Gen. 29:13; 33:4; 45:15). It accompanied social worship as a symbol of brotherly love (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14). The worship of idols was by kissing the image or the hand toward the image (1 Kings 19:18; Hos. 13:”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 5:25 (BBE) — Husbands, have love for your wives, even as Christ had love for the church, and gave himself for it;”
- 2 Peter “and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. -- 2 Peter 1:7”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Love — This word seems to require explanation only in the case of its use by our Lord in his interview with "Simon, the son of Jonas," after his resurrection (John 21:16, 17). When our Lord says, "Lovest thou me?" he uses the Greek word agapas; and when Simon answers, he uses the Greek word philo, i.e., "I love." This is the usage in the first and second questions put by our Lord; but in the third our Lord uses Simon's word. The distinction between these two Greek words is thus fitly described by Trench:, "Agapan has more of judgment and deliberate choice; philein ha”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:14 (BBE) — Give one another the kiss of love. Peace be to you all in Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 13:4: 13:4-7 This description of Christian love emphasizes the willingness to give up one’s own desires for the good of others (see also 8:1–10:33; Rom 5:6-8; 15:3; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 2:4-8).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 5:25: 5:25-33 Christian husbands are to love their wives just as Christ loved the church—that is, sacrificially, for Christ gave up his life for her (5:2; cp. Col 3:19; 1 Pet 3:7).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 5:22: 5:22-33 Christian wives are to submit to their husbands, showing them respect. Equally important, Christian husbands are to love their wives (see Col 3:18-19). Christian marriages become a reflection of the union and relationship between the Lord and the church. 5:22 Submission is part of the life to which the wives’ Christian commitment calls them (see 1 Cor 11:3-10; 14:34-35; Col 3:18; 1 Tim 2:11-12; Titus 2:5; 1 Pet 3:1-6).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 5.4: That it might be as a testimony rendered to its God, Will in the Church of God serve as seed From which children shall come forth, filled with understanding.’“ 8. For God is my witness. He now declares more explicitly his affection for them, and, with the view of giving proof of it, he makes use of an oath, and that on good grounds, because we know how dear in the sight of God is the edification of his Church. It was, too, more especially of advantage, that Paul’s affection should be thoroughly made known to the Phi”