Unfeigned love, as described in the Bible, is sincere, genuine, and unhypocritical love that comes from the heart. It is not just an outward show or pretense of love, but real love that overflows from the inside out. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about unfeigned love:
Unfeigned love comes from God
The Bible makes it clear that real, unfeigned love ultimately comes from God, who is the source and embodiment of love:
“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
“God is love…” (1 John 4:8)
As children of God, we are able to love because we have received God’s love in our hearts. His perfect love abides in us and enables us to love sincerely and genuinely.
Characteristics of unfeigned love
Unfeigned love has distinctive qualities that set it apart from false or pretended love:
Sincere – Unfeigned love is heartfelt and earnest, not hypocritical or duplicitous. “Love must be sincere.” (Romans 12:9)
Selfless – It seeks the good of others over self. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
Sacrificial – It gives generously without expecting anything in return. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” (1 John 3:16)
Forgiving – It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. “Love keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Persevering – It continues despite difficulties or rejection. “Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Joyful – It delights in the well-being of others. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)
Humble – It considers others better than self. “In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
In short, unfeigned love seeks the highest good of others even at personal cost, rejoices in their blessings, believes the best about them, and perseveres through trials.
Unfeigned love comes from a transformed heart
According to the Bible, human hearts in their natural state lack the capacity to love sincerely and genuinely. Because of sin, people are inclined to be self-centered, indifferent, fickle, and hypocritical in their affections. But Scripture promises that God can give us new hearts, transformed by his grace, that enable us to love unfeignedly:
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22)
As we yield to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, He cultivates unfeigned love in our hearts. It is a “love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5)
Unfeigned love is commanded
The Bible doesn’t depict unfeigned love merely as an ideal – it is a divine command we are obligated to obey in our relationships with others:
“Love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:22)
“Let love be genuine.” (Romans 12:9)
Scripture portrays unfeigned love almost as a debt we owe to others in light of what Christ has done for us. Lack of sincere love reveals a heart still unchanged by God’s love.
Unfeigned love sums up God’s law
According to Christ, unfeigned love encapsulates the essence of God’s commands:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
Rather than just external rule-keeping, God calls us to sincere love from the heart towards Him and others. This love fulfills the intent of Old Testament law.
Unfeigned love and actions
Unfeigned love will necessarily lead to outward actions, since real love is more than just sentiment – it shows itself through deeds:
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18)
While some give the outward appearance of love through words or partial gestures, unfeigned love will follow through in action by generously providing for needs. True affection results in loving deeds.
Unfeigned love and truth
Genuine love rejoices in the truth and cannot coexist with lies or willful blindness:
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)
“Speaking the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15)
Rather than ignoring or covering wrongdoing, unfeigned love brings it into the light to be dealt with righteously. It faces realities, even painful ones, while doing so gently and constructively.
Unfeigned love and correction
Sincere love seeks the growth and welfare of others, which at times necessitates rebuke or correction:
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend…” (Proverbs 27:6)
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” (Revelation 3:19)
Godly love avoids excessive flattery that can harm. It cares enough to point out sin or harmful behavior, to call loved ones to their best. This is often costly as it risks rejection.
Unfeigned love endures
True love continues through good times and trials. It is steadfast rather than capricious:
“Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)
“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away.” (Song of Solomon 8:7)
Unfeigned love perseveres even when feelings fluctuate, when loved ones are unresponsive or unappreciative, and through extended seasons of spiritual dryness or doubt. It’s commitment more than a passing emotion.
Unfeigned love versus false love
The Bible contrasts unfeigned love with superficial counterfeits that masquerade as the real thing:
Flattering words – “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.” (Proverbs 28:23)
Feigned affection – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.” (Romans 16:16) This indicates that even formal Christian greetings can lack sincerity.
Partiality – “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” (James 2:1) Favoring the outwardly impressive rather than loving all equally shows insincerity.
Pretense – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot…So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16) Going through the motions spiritually while hearts grow cold.
Hypocritical love – “They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.” (Mark 12:40) Appearing pious and loving outwardly, but driven by greed and selfishness.
Rather than settling for these hollow expressions, God calls us to sincerity and genuineness of heart.
Examples of unfeigned love
The Bible offers many portraits of unfeigned love lived out, which reveal its nature:
– Ruth’s refusal to abandon her destitute mother-in-law Naomi. (Ruth 1:16-18)
– The Good Samaritan serving the victimized stranger. (Luke 10:25-37)
– Christ willingly enduring torture and death out of love for humankind. (John 15:13)
– Jonathan’s steadfast loyalty to David despite danger and his father’s disapproval. (1 Samuel 20)
– The early Christians sacrificing possessions and security to provide for one another. (Acts 2:44-45)
These and others illustrate selfless, authentic love that sacrifices personal interests for the good of others.
Cultivating unfeigned love
Here are some biblical keys to growing in sincere, unhypocritical love:
– Meditate on God’s unfailing love toward you. (1 John 4:19)
– Ask God to put His love in your heart. (Romans 5:5)
– Prefer others over self. (Philippians 2:3-4)
– Make loving actions a habit, not just occasional efforts. (1 John 3:18)
– Examine and repent of selfish motives. (1 Corinthians 13:5)
– Pray for and do good to those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:27-28)
– Confess resentments, jealousy, and bitterness to God. (1 John 1:9)
– Avoid compromising love for unity’s sake. (Ephesians 4:15)
– Persevere in love when feelings waiver. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
In summary, unfeigned love is sincere, sacrificial, persevering affection coming from a transformed heart – the kind of love Jesus Christ modeled for us and enables us to walk in by His Spirit. It sums up God’s commands and endures all things. May God help us to love unfeignedly in a world filled with empty professions of love.