God is Love - But What Does That Mean?

God Is Love — But What Does That Mean?

The apostle John famously writes, "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16, NLT). But this short phrase is often misunderstood or misused. In modern culture, it is frequently interpreted to mean that God’s love affirms all behaviors, rejects all judgment, or functions as a blanket acceptance of sin. This is not only unbiblical—it’s dangerous.

God is love, yes—but love must be defined by God, not by modern emotional sentiment. In the context of 1 John 4, the apostle is speaking specifically to the church about those who know God and abide in Him. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8, LEB). This is not a universal affirmation of all people, but a doctrinal statement about those who are in Christ.

Context Note (1 John 4): This section is about testing spirits and identifying the true marks of those born of God. Love is a mark of regeneration, not a license for moral compromise.

The Four Greek Words for Love in Scripture

One of the most repeated errors in modern preaching is the over-exaltation of agapē as if it were the only form of divine or Godly love. Well-meaning pastors often say, “Agapē is God’s love, and other kinds of love are inferior.” But the Greek New Testament uses multiple words to describe God’s love, including those from the same root as phileō (brotherly affection).

Agapē (ἀγάπη, Strong’s G26)

This word refers to self-sacrificial, covenantal love. It is the kind of love God displayed when Christ died for sinners. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, NLT).

Phileō (φιλέω, Strong’s G5368)

This word refers to friendship or affectionate love. Importantly, the New Testament says:

• “The Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing.” (John 5:20, NLT — uses phileō)

• “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us…” (Titus 3:4–5, NLT — the word is philanthrōpia, from philos)

This is vital: God’s love for humanity is described as philos, not agapē, in Titus 3:4. Thus, the claim that God’s love is only agapē is simply untrue.

Storgē (στοργή)

This term refers to natural, familial affection. While the exact word isn’t used often, Romans 12:10 combines it in philostorgoi (φιλοστοργοί), translated as “love each other with genuine affection” (NLT).

Erōs (ἔρως)

This term, for romantic or sexual love, is not used in the New Testament directly, but the concept is clearly present in Song of Solomon and Paul’s discussions of marriage (1 Corinthians 7).

Refutation: The “agapē-only” teaching is flawed. God’s love is described using multiple Greek terms, each adding depth to His character. Jesus Himself uses phileō in Revelation 3:19 — “I correct and discipline everyone I love.”

Love Includes Discipline

One of the most sobering biblical truths is this: God’s love includes discipline. If we redefine love as mere affirmation, we end up with a god of indulgence, not holiness.

“For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” (Hebrews 12:6, NLT)

Context Note (Hebrews 12): This passage compares God’s discipline to that of a loving father. If you are never disciplined, the author says, you are not His child.

Similarly, in Revelation 3:19, Jesus says:

“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” (NLT)

Greek word here is phileō, not agapē. Love corrects. Love warns. Love saves by telling the truth.

Love Among Believers

Love in the Church is not optional—it is commanded. And that love is not merely words.

“Let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” (1 John 3:18, NLT)

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5, NLT)

This kind of love—agapē—is displayed through service, humility, truthfulness, and endurance.

Context Note (1 Corinthians 13): Paul is correcting spiritual pride in the Corinthian church. He is showing that gifts without love are worthless.

Love Without Truth Is Not Love

Paul commands the Church to hold truth and love together:

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15, NLT)

Biblical love hates what is evil:

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” (Romans 12:9, NLT)

Jesus never compromised truth for the sake of feelings. When He warned the Pharisees or called out sin, it was in perfect love.

God's Love Does Not Excuse Sin

The same book that tells us about God’s love (Romans 5:8) also tells us about His wrath (Romans 1:18).

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8, NLT)

“But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” (Romans 1:18, NLT)

Both truths must be held. The cross shows both love and judgment—the wrath of God poured out on Jesus to save sinners.

Final Warning: False Love Is Idolatry

John closes his first letter with a short but powerful command:

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” (1 John 5:21, NLT)

“Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21, LEB)

In context, John is warning the church against any distortion of God—including false definitions of love. Today, many worship a false god of affirmation, a sentimental idol made in man’s image. This is not the God of Scripture.

Conclusion

God’s love is rich, complex, and holy. It saves, disciplines, corrects, warns, and restores. It is not emotional indulgence—it is eternal truth wrapped in mercy. The Church must reject worldly counterfeits of love and return to what the Bible actually says.