Walk in the way of love.
—Ephesians 5:2
Love is the foundation for all the ingredients that follow, each describing a way in which love is expressed. As Paul says elsewhere, “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col 3:14).
In our culture, we tend to define love as a noun—it’s something we feel. But in Scripture, the concept of love is better understood as a verb—it’s how we act; what we do.
The best commentary is 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, where Paul gives the ingredients of love:
- It is patient.
- It is kind.
- It does not envy.
- It does not boast.
- It is not proud.
- It is not rude.
- It is not self-seeking.
- It is not easily angered.
- It keeps no record of wrongs.
Check the boxes.
Love is the trademark of discipleship.
It’s as simple—and as difficult—as that.