Love is neither a cuddly emotion or a sentiment from a Hallmark card. It is fundamentally a roll-up-your-sleeves, gritty, selfless kind of dedication. Let’s examine what love looks like in real life—in marriage, parenthood, the church, and the wider community—when it transcends words.

1. In Marriage: The Covenant of Love

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”

Ephesians 5:25 (NASB)

Paul has used some very wise words here, in my opinion. A “bring flowers once a year” connection is not what this is. We call this kind “lay down your life.” Christ did more than just preach love; he bled for it. Sacrificial love for both spouses is the norm. But this isn’t one-sided. Ephesians 5:22, which calls for reciprocal respect and trust, exhorts wives to submit to their husbands “as to the Lord.”

Practical Takeaway:

1. Daily Sacrifice: Loving your spouse entails prioritizing their needs over your own, whether that is by listening to them without attempting to “fix” everything or bringing out the trash without being asked.
2. Grace-Filled Forgiveness: Marriage is a lifelong relationship between two flawed individuals. Even when it’s difficult, love requires forgiveness.
3. Honor the Covenant: Consistently remind one another of the reasons you said “I do.” God’s unshakable commitment to His people is shown in this love.

Additional Resources:

• The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
• Websites like Focus on the Family for Christian marriage advice

2. In Parenting: Guiding with Love

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he grows older he will not abandon it.”

Proverbs 22:6 (NASB)

The Bible does not sweetheart the long process that is parenting. Love cannot exist without discipline; discipline is more of a shaping than a yelling tool. Like God’s love for each of us, parental love blends discipline with nurture.

Useful takeaway:

• The best tip I ever got was this: “Don’t just explain—show them how.” A good friend once said kids absorb the most by watching how their parents live. Let them see you pray, forgive, and serve as part of your everyday faith—out loud and unapologetically.
• Saying “no” is one of the hardest but most loving things you can do, even if it makes you less popular. Boundaries are what keep love strong and healthy.
• Taking them to church is only half the job; you’ve also got to guide them toward Christ. Answer their questions about faith honestly, and don’t hide your struggles—it shows them faith is real.

Additional Resources:

• Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
• Articles on parenting at Christianity Today

3. Christian Groups

“By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (NASB)

The early church’s successful marketing initiatives did not lead to its growth. People saw something radical—a community where love was not limited by social, economic, or racial boundaries—and it grew.

Useful Takeaway:

• Support One Another: The church hosts other ways of expressing love than “I’ll pray for you”. It’s getting food for a sick family or driving someone without a car.
• Fight Fair: Church disagreements are unavoidable. Love entails being kind and humble when having those difficult talks.
• Set an Example: The world notes when the church shows true love. People come before programs in importance.

Additional Resources:

• Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Check out resources on community-building at The Gospel Coalition

4. In the World: Loving the Neighbor (and the Stranger)

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:39 (NASB)

Jesus didn’t give us much leeway. The homeless woman on the corner, the coworker who irritates you, and yes, even your political opposite are all neighbors. Your neighbor isn’t just the guy whose dog howls at six in the morning.

Useful Takeaway:

• Attend to Physical Needs: Give to the hungry. Dress the nude. James 2:16 tells us that stating, “Be warmed and filled,” without taking any concrete action, is meaningless.
• Speaking the truth in love does not imply dodging difficult realities. It entails speaking to them patiently and kindly.
• Be Present: Sometimes being there for someone in pain is all it takes to demonstrate love.

Additional Resources:

• Love Your Neighbor by Timothy Keller (article series)
• Websites like World Vision for practical ways to help others

Love That Moves Beyond Words

The core of the Christian faith is love, yet it is also difficult. Talking about love is simpler than actually experiencing it. Love—true, Christlike love—stands out because of this. When patience runs thin, it is patient. When kindness comes at a price, it’s good. Above all, it is a reflection of the loving God (1 John 4:8).

Whether you’re feeding a stranger, hugging a churchgoer, holding your spouse’s hand, or mentoring your children, love resonates more powerfully than any lecture.

Additional Resources for Broader Study:

• The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan
• Blogs like Desiring God for ongoing inspiration

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright ©, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org.