What Exactly is Christian Love ?

Some Biblical Scholars argue that "Christian Love" is that unconditional love which describes God's love for all human beings, irrespective of color, class or creed. It's the dignity of being loved by God despite all human failure and sins. It's completely unique and distinct from all other love, such as eros, love characterized by desire, attraction or need. It's that type of love that God has for all Human Beings --- the love that provides the source and standards of loving in history.

Because God's love is believed to serve as the general criteria of Christian love, it's important that we understand the standards of God's love. First, in order for us to follow the standards of loving set by God, we have to be perfect as God, that is: having a sincere love for all mankind that transcends all boundaries. For example, in John 3:16, the extent of God's love is expressed in the most radical form,"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Despite the fact that human beings were sinners, the Creator took the initiative of sending his "only son" to redeem us of all our sins. For a person to sacrifice the life of his only child just to save the lives of all mankind, is considered the greatest love of all. How many of us would be willing to sacrifice our lives for another person?

Some view Christian love as self-giving, and overflowing as the love of God. They believe this type of love does not seek to question what the object worth, and is not concerned with the love-value of men.

According to one writer, Christian love is overflowing as the love of God - it has no boundaries, there is no holding back; It's a love that flows freely. There's no partiality or discrimination as to who is being loved. It's a state where all distinctions are being removed. We should not help or show love to others simply because of an intent to dominate, but from a dutiful concern for the interests of others; not with pride in taking precedence over others, but with compassion in taking care of others.

Conclusion

To summarize, based on all the above arguments, the key point is that Christian love requires loving like God himself -- unconditionally and without reservation. It involves loving everyone, making whatever sacrifices wherever necessary, so as to fulfill the needs of all men who are in need, irrespective of color, class, or creed. You should also bear in mind that the extent to which you love your beloved(spouse/significant other), doesn't necessarily mean you are emulating God, unless you love everyone equally and in the same manner, because with God there is no partiality --- everyone is treated equally!

Whether Christian or non-Christian, it appears as if human-beings were all evolved with a natural tendency to love and to be most generous only to the people who mean a lot to them, and also to others who are more likely to return a favor in the future. This prompts me to believe that in our society today, it's almost impossible for mankind to demonstrate Christian love - that unconditional and ideal state of love required by God. This utopia is one that can never be achieved!