Love is an Action Word

“God is love” is a popular phrase from the Bible, so popular that its concept has even been borrowed by other religions separate from the Judeo-Christian tradition. Many New Age followers, for example, also believe God is love.

But what does the phrase—“God is love”—mean? Was it recorded as part of the gospel record simply to give its readers a warm, fuzzy feeling inside?

During my college years, one of my best friends, with whom I served in campus ministry, always used to say, “Love is an action word.” From a biblical standpoint, his statement was sound. After all, Jesus told his disciples, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). In other words, Jesus was saying, “If you love me, prove it.” Too often, we emphasize God’s love, only as a means to excuse ourselves from our willful misconduct. As a result, the phrase “God is love” is quoted as a license for our riotous living.


Love is an action word. This notion should come as no surprise. A glance into our everyday lives aids us in understanding this concept: A parent who loves his or her child doesn’t just tell the child how much he or she cares. Rather, the parent takes care of the child—by nurturing the child, and providing for the child.


In a romantic relationship, we appreciate the kind words of our significant others. Still, it’s the actions which follow the words that substantiate our lover’s claims. Likewise, our relationship with God is validated only when our actions go in tandem with our confession.

God is love. Furthermore, God has already proved His love for us. The Bible tells us that we love Him because He first loved us. When someone is inspired by love, that person is behooved to act—to do something to demonstrate his or her love. God loves us so much that He initiated a love relationship with us, the crown of His creation. In fact, His love compelled Him to send His only begotten Son to rescue us from our sin, hell, and the grave.

Love is an action word.