The Importance of Love in Christianity Essay Example

The Christian gospel expressed a change from the rigidity of law observance to an inner spirit of loving devotion. Christianity is a religion and is a system of faith and worship to God the creator of heaven and earth, and a God of love. In Christianity love is emphasized as God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Love is shown to God and fellow humans. That love is agape love. Selfless devotion to God that issues in a self-giving sacrificial love and is non-reciprocal. Love is the supreme virtue or character trait.

Agape is an indiscriminate love, a love of all creation. It does not recognise value; agape creates value in its object. There are four types of love represented in Christianity. God’s love for humanity which is exemplified in the sacrifice of His son Jesus Christ. Secondly, an upward love, man’s love for God which is expressed through faith, obedience and worship. Thirdly,an outward love, man's love for all of humanity, including his foes. For the sake of God, Christians must love everyone, including their enemies. Lastly, one must love oneself as God's creation in order to have an inward love. Christians must do unto others as they would like to be treated (Matthew 6:14-15). To love God and others, you must first love yourself. Justice and love are complementary rather than antagonistic. In fairness, love is bound to distribute its benefits evenly. Justice emphasizes the appropriate outer order of life, whereas love is a personal concern on the inside. Love without justice would be aimless and distant, while justice without love would be callous and heartless. Christians are taught to defeat evil with good rather than seeking vengeance (Romans 12:17). Christian faith entails living a life of service. 1st Corinthians 13:4 - 8: ‘Love is patient and kind; It is not jealous or conceited or proud; Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; Love does not keep a record of rounds; Love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth, love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. Love is eternal.’

Christianity is based on the teachings of the Bible. The Christian must believe that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ the son of God, (one of God’s greatest gifts of love; John 3:16) atonement has been made for man's disobedience and must ask for forgiveness of their sins. But to believe is not enough. One has to put into practice the teachings of the Bible. Such as the ten commandments (Decalogue).The beatitudes from the sermon on the mount. The first four speak of man’s relationship with God; the last six of man’s relationship with his fellowman. A few for the relationship with God is “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” and “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” These emphasize the respect you must show to God. If you do these you show that you love God and are not willing to disrespect Him. A few for the relationship with man is   “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” and “Thou shalt not kill.” Christians should strive to get along with and love  their neighbour as themselves. Not wishing harm on, or hating others. Jesus never once disrespected his parents and loved everyone. Although humans aren’t perfect, Christians try to be like Jesus and follow God’s word.

In conclusion, love is very important in Christianity. Christians love God because He first loved us. They continue to love (agape) and spread their love to others as God wants them to. Since in God there is no evil, love contains no evil. In love they honour God and follow his commandments to become more like him and be the good in this world.