Introduction
Typically, when presenting a teaching about dying-to-self it would be presented in chronological order: starting with knowledge, continuing on to understanding, then arriving at wisdom.

Based on God’s Word, if we want to be wise about dying-to-self, as in approaching any subject in God’s word; wisdom is always coupled with behavior.

Therefore, we will also consider the fact that wisdom mandates action, so our ideological order will be knowledge, then wisdom, then understanding and action.

Background
The reason I started this series is because of how the Holy Spirit has been working in my life in a special way.  

I have experienced a renewed commitment and zeal of the Spirit concerning my service to our Lord and Savior; in holiness producing love – “to love the Christian way.”

 

This move of the Spirit has created in me a desire to become more holy (“Separated unto God,” not merely separated from sin, many false religions sin less than most Christians) in my walk with Christ by addressing sin in my life, especially what is referred to as “small sins,” or “unintentional sins.”
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So far this series has covered two of three parts:

Part 1 – Knowledge – The Problem – Self and Sin
This examination concerns the knowledge necessary to regard the problem of self and sin.
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Part 2 – Wisdom – The Solution – From God’s Word
God’s word displays the wisdom that is necessary in order to gain the proper perspective, wherein we gain the correct attitude in learning how to die-to-self.

This current article will consider…

Part 3 – Understanding and Application – Enabling Dying-To-Self
Understanding, which is in this case biblical perception, is enabled only by the Holy Spirit.  This gives us the opportunity to correctly discern the right application of how to specifically practice dying-to-self.

What to Understand
To date, I believe that there are at least three primary actions as found in God’s word which are tools to aid in facilitating dying-to-self.  They are:

1) Stop practicing sin – Seek God’s Will

2) Start humbling ourselves before men

3) Love others with Biblical love
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How to Understand
Russell Kelfer was a very wise teacher that has gone on to be with the Lord.  He taught that understanding was much more than mere information, and even more than knowledge.
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He stated that understanding was personalizing knowledge and therefore discerning in a different way based upon an unnatural perception, God’s perception rather than simple human intellectual assimilation.

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As a believer, I have knowledge that according to God’s word I am a sinner by nature.

I also know that God has said to not bear false witness – to NOT lie.

When I personalize this understanding and admit that I have personally borne false witness – lied, only then can I take ownership of my lies, and start proclaiming the truth. 

The Holy Spirit facilitates this process.  My understanding that I have personally violated the law is a necessity that God mandates before I can gain biblical wisdom concerning lying. 

Self-Righteousness
The Pharisees lived very righteous lives, yet were foolish due to their lack of perspective concerning God’s Word and their own lack of personal application of the law which would enable them to be wise.  Refusing to personalize their own sinful nature, and take responsibility for the acts of sin in their lives, they became self-righteousness.  Self-righteousness is when a individual claims that they are right in their actions and therefore need no Redeemer.  

Righteous-in-Self
Righteousness-in-self is seen in many churches these days, where believers acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins, yet they refuse to take ownership of this sinful behaviors in their life, claiming to be righteous in themselves because they walk in the spirit, or they walk in obedience to God’s word, some stating that the Holy Spirit gives them the ability to sin less. John Wesley himself taught this type of righteousness-in-self pride, which stands in stark contrast to Jesus’ words concerning the Pharisee and the publican when he stated:

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 ~ KJV)

It is this lack of subjective discernment that many believers, as well as Christian leaders who confess that they sin less than other Christians, displaying the mindset of a Pharisees as compared to the humble self contempt that the publican displayed. When it comes to religious leaders, many teach the word of God, but lack the ability to walk it out in their daily lives.

Remember Christ’s words as recorded in Matthew 23:1-3, which states:

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.’”  (KJV)

Perhaps this explains why we seem to have so many intellectual idiots — smart people who do not make wise choices because they believe that information is only theoretical, and they have not personally put it into practice (Our current leadership?).

So if a person does not personalize the knowledge of what is right and does not seek God’s word or ask for His wisdom about what to do about it, they will not be able to move on to the action stage of application.  Knowledge and wisdom are wasted if you do not proceed to the application of what is wise, and do what is wise.

To reiterate, there are many people that know what is wise, displaying knowledge, but due to a lack of understanding how to personalize it and therefore do it, exhibit a lack of wisdom as seen in their behavior.

The world likes to separate wisdom and application as two separate components, implying or even blatantly teaching that you can be wise in your thoughts, yet make foolish choices and still be a wise person. 

The Bible does not allow for this interpretation.

A good example is Ephesians 5:15 (KJV), which sates:

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”  (KJV)

Here we see wisdom necessitates behavior.

We also see understanding concerning knowing God’s Will, which has to do with us perceiving what God’s Word means.

James 1:22 says:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (KJV)

Here, James is addressing believers; making the point that unless they are doing what God’s word says, they are deceiving themselves. 

Here we see the connection between behavior and doing what God’s word says, displaying that without application, God’s word is not profitable.

Primary text
Let us consider the connection between wisdom and behavior as seen in our primary text.

Luke 9:23-25, which states:

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”  (KJV)

The structure of this sentence in regard to the Greek grammar connects these two actions “let him deny himself,” and “take up his cross daily,” as referring to the very same thing (See part 1 of this series, under the heading: “One, Not Two” – link below).  They are two expressions of the same mental attitude that Christ is demanding for those who follow Him.

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Pick up YOUR Cross
The way that we deny ourselves is by picking up our cross daily.  Notice it is not Christ’s cross – which none of us could ever think of carrying: that of the sins of the world.
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Many Christians misinterpreted this passage into believing that we are to suffer for Christ by picking up his cross, or even those understand the grammar in understand it’s not speaking about Jesus his cross but the followers cross, still misunderstand and think it is talking about choosing to suffer for Christ – this is a separate subject then and dying to self.

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Is it Suffering
Suffering for Christ is not something that we attempt to do, it is what happens to us when persecution comes and we have a choice to make, to claim him before men and suffer, or to find a way out of it, again this is not the same as the daily subject of picking up our cross and dying to self.  Which is something that we do on a daily basis is not based upon persecution or events that occur in our lives, it is how we walk as Christ walked.
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What does the Scripture say, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12), but that’s not what this text is talking about, not according to the Greek grammar, which declares that this is a daily activity that we choose to do, that we look for ways of putting self in its place.
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No believer should ever seek out persecution, this is arrogant and proud, and is a sign of grandiosity.  Jesus never did this, if there was an opportunity to escape the people that were seeking to overpower him and make him king, he slipped away.  It was not until the fulfilled time of the prophecy concerning the cup that he must drink that he went and found the soldiers that were looking for him in a proactive manner, he did not seek death his prayer did not indicate so; most importantly though he sought to do the will of the Father.

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Jesus Picked up the Cross That He Was Meant to Bear
Christ did not die for His own sins, He died and bore the cross for you and me, and to think that we are supposed to carry that cross and help Him is blasphemous.  He completed that requirement 100% and does not need our help in this area, even if we could.
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This passage in the Greek is in the imperative, which is a command.  We do not have a choice.
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If we desire to follow Christ, we must deny ourselves by daily picking up our cross.

What is Christ speaking about concerning “our own cross”?  It is much more obvious than it seems.

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The Purpose of Our Cross
A cross was an instrument of death.  Christ is referring to doing those behaviors, with the proper mindset and attitude, which will deny self by putting one’s self to death.  Christ demands that we commit ourselves to these pragmatic behaviors, such behavors as:

1) Stop practicing sin – Seek God’s Will

2) Start humbling ourselves before men

3) Love others with Biblical love.

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The Reason for this Series
If you are honest enough to deal with the patterns of sin in your life and arrest them, if you are courageous enough to seek to humble yourself with others, which is always an ongoing process, not a destination; and allow yourself to be led of God rather than your own flesh, it becomes much easier to address the third pragmatic choice. 

This choice can change your entire life (It is what changed John’s life, which is why he wrote more about love than anyone else, see the end of Footnote #1) – it is love, the conclusion to this trilogy.
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Love the Bible Way
Let’s start with the generic understanding of the word “love” as found in the verse that everyone knows, John 3:16, “it is a demonstration of God’s love,” when it says,

“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.“  (KJV)

Of the multiple verbs in this passage, the primary verb is the word “gave,” indicating that love is giving as opposed to taking.  A few years later, the same writer writes in 1st John 3:16,

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”  (KJV)

We should notice three things from this passage.

First, it declares a deity of Jesus Christ referring to them as God, then stating he laid down his life for us.  The grammar demands that this is speaking of the same person.

Second, we see that love is displayed in Christ sacrificially placing us before himself, giving his life for us. 

Therefore, based upon the use of the word in the New Testament Greek, Biblical love is defined as sacrificially putting others first.  It is a choice, not an emotion.  Christ demanded for us to choose to sacrificially put others first before ourselves.  It is an action.  It is proactive, not reactive, it is giving not taking – it is sacrificial. 

Third, we are instructed to do the same thing for the brethren, to sacrificially put others before ourselves, this is what I mean by Biblical love, which we will examine further as we parse the Greek words translated into the English word “love,” below.  We will come back to: “and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Love American Style
If you remember the sitcom by that name that ran from 1969 to 1974, you remember that it defined love as romantic love, love that you felt as an emotion, love which is better defined as taking rather than giving, based upon conditions rather than unconditional, a love which is the polar opposite of Biblical love.

Don’t get me wrong I believe romantic love, which God built into us, is completely necessary. 

Romantic love is what you women fall into (One difference between romantic love and mature giving love is that it is something that you can fall into or fall out of, meaning that romantic love is conditional as compared to the unconditional love of giving to the other person, and putting them first), by which you allow yourself to put on those rose-colored glasses, and marry men, what you would never have done if you were saying at the time and fully understood what we are like in reality. 

Romantic love always places blinders on a person, and it is very emotional.  Fortunately for us men, that allows smart women to choose men the way we have for thousands of years and thus ensure the continuity of humanity.  Romantic love rarely lasts more than two years, and is meant to develop into real love, the kind of love that the Bible speaks about, of sacrificially putting others first.

In fact have you ever noticed that many of the things that you found to be cute, or darling, or attractive while you are dating; once you got married drove you insane!

When Giving Love Is Confused with Romantic Love
However, by misunderstanding that romantic love is the definition we apply to all love, problems are created that we deal with on a daily basis, such as: conditional acceptance, and self-centeredness.

Women understand giving love usually much easier than men because of the roles that they play within the family, where this giving love is referred to as “nurturing,” and considered to be a more feminine trait, though that is a misconception, as men are to nurture as well as women.

However, 21st century American understanding of love has to do with emotions, which causes the word love to be used so haphazardly.  No doubt cinema and television have reinforced this interpretation of love within a romantic setting, never taking the time to explain that there are diversities within love.

You can love your fiancé and feel deep emotions; or you can love your wife of 20 years who has sacrificially placed you first in her life; or you can love a Baby Ruth candy bar, or a baseball team, or your parents, or God.  Using the singular word love for all these diverse meanings creates havoc in expressing beliefs, behaviors and emotions within valid relationships.

It is common for our culture to think of love only as an emotional response to something else.

The world tries to tell us that love is a response, or a reaction. The Oxford dictionary defines that use of the prefix “re-” as “doing something in return or again.”  Examples of its use are the words react, reconsider, reshape, and repel.

This idea that love is a reaction, which means it is conditional.  It is based upon someone else says or does.  That kind of love is a fleeting and temporary emotion that you can fall into and fall out of.

The Greek Words for Love in the New Testament
In Classical Greek, there are four Greek words translated into the English word love, but in the koine Greek New Testament only two primary words are used: Phileo and Agapē.

The first, Phileo, has to do with a brotherly type of love (Very deep friendship), and the second, Agapē, which refers to a generic type of “to be strongly given over to – preferring it or a person over yourself.”

In our vernacular, it would mean holding something in great esteem, or giving something great importance. Even Agapē love can still be directed toward unworthy things.  (For example, the Pharisees felt agape love for having the utmost seats in the synagogue – see footnote #1)

Agapē (Noun) and agapaō (Verb) = God’s type of love, selfless love – “to be strongly given over to – preferring it or a person over yourself.”

Phileo (Noun) = Man’s type of love – “Tender affection, deep friendship, brotherly love type of friendship” (We get the word Philadelphia from it, meaning: “City of brotherly love”).

Please see footnote #1 for further information concerning the four Greek words for love.

The noun, Agapē is a description of God, and the verb is a description of what Jesus commanded us to do. 

These two forms of the same word have nothing to do with the object of the love meeting or maintaining conditions and/or behaviors.  They are proactive words, not reactive words. Christ commanded for us to love people which is proactive, as the grammar presents.

Unfortunately, we often get this order backward.  We think that when we feel love for someone then we will be motivated to hold them in higher esteem than we do ourselves.  In reality, the emotion of love comes as the consequence of the love action, not the other way around.
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Understanding Biblical Love and Emotions
The emotional feeling of love is the fruit of having sacrificially put something before yourself.  Built into human nature is the fact that whenever we place someone or something before ourselves, an emotional attachment is built that will not waver. 

In the world this is called nurturing love, in an attempt to distinguish it from typical love.  Human nature is such that whenever we are invested in something, an emotional response is produced. 

For example, if you sacrificially put first the upkeep of a classic car before yourself or other things in your life, having spent a lot of money and time in its restoration, you will have an emotional attachment to it.
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When Christ demands for us to love others (“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you” ~ Luke 6:27 KJV), it is this nurturing type of love that He is speaking about wherein He commands a proactive choice.

We are to proactively place something before ourselves in a sacrificial manner, preferring it before ourselves.  This creates the blessing of an emotional attachment which is unconditional.

Proactive vs. Reactive
God’s love is based upon who He is and what He chooses to do. God in His essence is love. God is the Creator (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-5) and Sustainer (Colossians 1:17) of all things. He doesn’t need anything. Therefore He has no need to take anything.

John 3:16 tells us that God the Father gave the most precious thing there is, His Son.  And He is not giving His Son on the condition that the world would believe.  That would make His love conditional, as if we could trade faith for salvation.  A trade would imply that we earn salvation, but that is clearly disproven in Ephesians 2:8, which states:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  (KJV) 

Faith is the vehicle by which we accept the free grace of God, His unmerited favor, wherein He also displayed His mercy of not receiving what we do deserve: which is hell and damnation.  This is all facilitated by God – unconditionally — to those with who would freely receive it, which necessitates the act of faith.

We need to read this passage very carefully understanding that it was “because of the great love with which he loved us” (v.4), that God saves us by His grace (v.8), yet “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This is proactive, that we should walk and what he has prepared for us to do in him, those good works, understanding that the greatest works we can do is that of loving others sacrificially before ourselves. The greatest of these is… love.

Now, back to: “and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

The last sentence of 1st John 3:16 is part three of the pragmatic tools that we use to practice dying-to-self, the full passage states:

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (KJV)

What we are to do as believers is seen in the last part of the verse, which should need much explanation when it states: and “we ought to lay down our lives for our bretheren.”

 

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Biblical Love; that of putting others sacrificially first before ourselves is not only a commandment of God, it is a pragmatic tool to enable us to die to self.  Self always wants to be on the throne of our lives, self wants to be master, King and sovereign.  Is best known as pride, therefore in attempting to put self to death on a daily basis, one of the most successful tools is to proactively choose to put others before ourselves.  To make conscious choices to love others and in the process follow God’s command and loving them.  It is like anything that is proactively to be practiced, it becomes easier with acclimatization.

It has been said that if you take first Corinthians chapter 13, and take the word “love” out and replace it with “Jesus,” this passage would be just as trustworthy.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”   (1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ~ KJV)

The King James Version uses the word “charity,” which is actually much more fitting than our English word love – because it expresses giving.  Try it yourself.

Conclusion
To conclude, dying-to-self mandates that we pick up our cross daily, using instruments that aid us in putting self to death.  These three instruments are very effective.

1) Stop practicing sin – Seek God’s Will

2) Start humbling ourselves before men

3) Love others with Biblical love.

Assignment
In light of these three ways of practicing dying-to-self, please consider the following Scriptures:

Philippians 2:1-11, which states:

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  (KJV)

Romans 12:1-3

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”  (KJV)

1 Peter 5:1-11

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”  (KJV)

Romans 15:1-7

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”  (KJV)

John 12:24-26

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.  If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will my Father honour.”  (KJV)

Last Words – Christian Psychology
One practical tool that I have been using for a while in order to facilitate individual behaviors of sacrificially putting others first, meaning to love them is by promoting and living out in my own life Gary Chapman’s teaching concerning “The Five Love Languages.” I am a licensed and certified mental health chemical dependency professional, who specializes in the criminal justice system, and who only uses the Scripture taken in context as his rule and mandate. So I am very hesitant to ever suggest seeking the counsel of persons like Mr. Chapman, who is commonly referred to as a Christian Psychologist. Mainly because almost all Christian Psychologists that I have encountered utilize psychological methods and teachings, and then throw in a few Scriptures which they utilize as props to rationalize the psychology tools and principles that they promote. Most are steeped in Carl Rogers’ “client-centered” therapy method, which condones the counselor being free to suggest divorce or other unbiblical pursuits. As a counselor of the Word of God, we are to be Christ-centered, not client- or person-centered. The Bible is our guide, not psychology.

However, there is a difference between utilizing psychology methods, tools and practices, and simply giving credit to observations that are made in the field of psychology. The simple observation and reporting done by certain clinicians and therapist have presented helpful insights into human nature, which are not based upon psychological methods or presuppositions in nature, things that are a part of the human psyche, which have been around since the Fall in the Garden of Eden, and exhibit the reality of truth. Psychologists present these observations and have gained great credibility in the process, even though it is only based upon observation and not psychology.

Certain of these observations are what my grandfather used to call wise insights, or common sense.

Examples of these helpful insights are Kevin Leman’s “Birth Order and Personality,” recorded in a book by the same name. James Lehman’s program concerning childrearing, referred to as “Total Transformation” is based upon these insights concerning human nature as well. I also believe that Gary Chapman’s observations and insights regarding what is referred to as the “The Five Love Languages” are another beneficial tool concerning human relationships.

I believe that “The Five Love Languages” is a superb resource to present practical ways of displaying love by putting others first. It reminds us that love was never meant to be used as a tool of manipulation to receive love back from others. Mr. Chapman encourages specific methods of communicating love to others that is focused on the other person, in a way that directly illustrates the kind of sacrificial love that Jesus Christ commanded that we give one to another as seen in 1st John 3:16.

Brent

DYING TO SELF SERIES – PART 1 – KNOWLEDGE – THE PROBLEM – SELF AND SIN
https://faithbibleministriesblog.com/2015/10/11/dying-to-self-series-pragmatic-steps-part-1-the-problem/

DYING TO SELF SERIES – PART 2 – WISDOM – THE SOLUTION – FROM GOD’S WORD
https://faithbibleministriesblog.com/2015/12/04/dying-to-self-series-part-2-wisdom-the-solution-from-gods-word/

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Footnotes
1. Greek words which are translated in the English word “love”:

Agapē (Noun) and agapaō (Verb) = God’s type of love, selfless love – “to be strongly given over to”

Phileo (Noun) = Man’s type of love – “Tender affection, deep friendship, brotherly love type of friendship” (We get the word Philadelphia from it, meaning: “City of brotherly love”)

Éros (Noun & verb forms) = Sexual passion – “lust and desire, sensual, romantic, physical attraction” (Never used in the Bible, though different forms exist, such as: “lust,” [Grk. Epithumeo], as in 1 John 2:16.  We get our word “erotic” from this word)

Storge = Natural, family type of love – “Innate affection especially of parents and children” (Never used directly in the Bible in its noun or verb form, either. It does occur in Romans 1:31 and 2 Timothy 3:3 in its negative form astorgos referring to unloving.)

Therefore, from this point forward we will only deal with Agapē, agapaō, and Phileo. 

Directional Verbs (“Actions, behaviors, which are based upon choices”)
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Agapaō

Between agapaō and phile, agapaō is by far the more common term in the New Testament. It is used to describe the Father’s love for the Son (Jn. 17:24), and the Son’s love towards man (Jn. 15:9). It is used to describe man’s loving response to God (1 Pet. 1:8) and Christian “one another” love modeled upon God’s love for men (Jn. 13:34-35).

Phileo

Phileo is normally used to discuss friendship (Jn. 11:3, 11:36, 20:2, 21:15-17, Tit. 3:15), and God’s feeling of friendship towards men (Jn. 5:20, 16:27, Rev. 3:19). It is also used to denote the kiss of greeting (Mt. 26:48, Mk. 14:44, Lk. 22:47). In a moral sense, phileo is often used to describe both good and bad inner desires (Mt. 6:5, 10:37, 23:6, Lk. 20:46, Jn. 12:25, 15:19, 1 Cor. 16:22, Rev. 22:15).

 

Nouns (“A word that is the name of something [such as a person, animal, place, thing, quality, idea, or action] and is typically used in a sentence as subject or object of a verb or as object of a preposition” – see footnote #2)

There are two primary displays of the noun agapē, one as a definition of love, meaning: “to be strongly given over to or preferred.”  

And the other is seen when the definite article (“The”) is used referring to an event, the love feast as they called it where the Christians met together, shared the Lord’s Supper, ate together and worshipped together.

There are many noun cognates of phileo. Luke is fond of using “philos” (friend), e.g. Lk 11:5. Jesus was known as a friend of drunkards, and he considered the apostles as his friends (Mt. 11:19, Lk. 7:34, Jn. 15:13-15). The early church used the term “brotherly love” to denote the closeness of relationships in the church (Rom. 12:10, 1 Th. 4:9, Heb. 13:1, 1 Pet. 1:22, 3:8, 2 Pet. 1:7).

Several English terms are transliterations of Greek words. For example, our English term “philanthropy” means lover of mankind (Acts 28:2, Tit. 3:4). Our English term “philosophy” means lover of wisdom (Acts 17:18, Col. 2:8). Our English word “hospitality” could also be translated as “lover of aliens” (Acts 28:7, Rom. 12:13, 1 Ti. 3:2, Tit. 1:8, 1 Pet. 4:9, Heb. 13:2).  The city “Philadelphia” means city of brotherly love.

In keeping with the theme of inner desires, the noun cognates of phileo also are used for good inner desires (Rom. 15:20, 2 Cor. 5:9, 1 Th. 4:11, Tit. 2:4) and bad inner desires (Lk. 16:14, 22:24, 1 Cor. 11:16, 1 Tim. 6:10, 2 Tim. 3:2, 3:4, James 4:4, 3 Jn 1:9).

Now let us focus our attention on God’s type of love as found in the verb and noun form, agapaō and agapē.

 

These two forms of the word for Godly love, in the noun and verb, are words seldom found in these exact forms and Greek literature prior to the New Testament, with the exception of the Septuagint; the Greek translation of the Old Testament translated a few centuries before Christ. 

 

“Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words”, states concerning the verb form:

Noun – “agapaō and the corresponding noun agapē present the characteristic word for Christianity and since the spirit of revelation has used it to express ideas previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the New Testament Cf., however, (Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5.”

 

Both – “Agapē and agapaō are used in the New Testament (a) to describe the attitude of God towards his son, John 17:26; the human race, generally, John 316; Romans 5:8; and too such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, particularly, John 14:21; (b) to convey his will to his children concerning their attitude towards one another, John 13:34, and towards all men, 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7; (c) to express the essential nature of God, 1 John 4:8”

 

“Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God’s love is seen in the gift of his son (1 John 4:9-10).  But obviously this is not the love of complacency or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects (Romans 5:8).  It was an exercise of the divine will and deliberate choice, made without assignable cause which lies in the nature of God Himself (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).” 

 

“Love had its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 2:4’s MI: 3:19; 5:2; Christian love is the fruit of His Spirit in the Christian, Galatians 5:22.  Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 John 2:5; 5:3; 2 John six. Self-will, that is, self-pleasing is the negation of love to God.”

 

“Christian love, whether exercised towards the brotheren, or towards men generally, is not an impulse from the feeling, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered.  Love seeks the welfare of all, Romans 15:2, and works no ill towards any, 13:8-10; love seeks opportunity to do good to all men, and especially towards them that are of the household of faith, Galatians 6:10.  See further 1 Corinthians 13 and Corinthians 3:12-14”

 

Verb – “In respect of agapaō as used of God, it expresses the deep inconsistent “love” and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential “love” in them towards the giver, and a practical “love” towards those who are partakers of the same, and a deep desire to help others to seek the Giver.”

 

   agapē
(Strong’s numbering system G26) a noun, literally meaning: “Selfless” “to be strongly given over to or preferred,” used for love itself – It can be a definition of God, when used WITHOUT the definite article (“The”), or referring to God specifically.

Or it can used with the definite article (“The”) when used referring to an event, the love feast as they called it where the Christians met together, sharing the Lord’s Supper, ate together and worshipped together.

agapaō
(Strong’s numbering system G25) a verb (An act or behavior) “Selfless” “to be strongly given over to or preferred,” though it can also be used of evil things, “…Pharisees for they love (agapaō) the uppermost seats in the synagogues…” ~ see Luke 11:43; John 3:19; John 12:43; 2 Timothy 4:10; 2 Peter 2:15; 2 John 2:15.  Also see Footnote #1 below which list them with the Strong’s numbering system to prove their use as G25.

Holman’s Bible Dictionary: Love “unselfish, loyal, and benevolent”

“Translated into the English word “love” in many of the newer translations, and “charity” in the King James translation.  The word charity means “dearness,” “affection,” or “high regard.”  Today the word charity normally is used for acts of benevolence, so the word love is to be preferred as a translation of agapē.   Nevertheless, the reader who comes to the agapē of the New Testament with the idea of benevolence in mind is better off than the reader who comes with the idea of physical pleasure and satisfaction” [commonly understood in our current culture as manifestations of love].
.

                  The following are Scriptures (Taken from e-Sword, the KJV+Tense, Voice, Mood Bible version) utilizing agapaō, the verb form of love as an action.

Mat_5:43  Ye have heard^G191 that^G3754 it hath been said,^G4483 Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour,^G4139 and^G2532 hate^G3404 thine^G4675 enemy.^G2190

Mat_5:44  But^G1161 I^G1473 say^G3004 unto you,^G5213 Love^G25 your^G5216 enemies,^G2190 bless^G2127 them that curse^G2672 you,^G5209 do^G4160 good^G2573 to them that hate^G3404 you,^G5209 and^G2532 pray^G4336 for^G5228 them which despitefully use^G1908 you,^G5209 and^G2532 persecute^G1377 you;^G5209

Mat_5:46  For^G1063 if^G1437 ye love^G25 them which love^G25 you,^G5209 what^G5101 reward^G3408 have^G2192 ye? do^G4160 not^G3780 even^G2532 the^G3588 publicans^G5057 the^G3588 same?^G846

Mat_6:24  No man^G3762 can^G1410 serve^G1398 two^G1417 masters:^G2962 for^G1063 either^G2228 he will hate^G3404 the^G3588 one,^G1520 and^G2532 love^G25 the^G3588 other;^G2087 or^G2228 else he will hold^G472 to the one,^G1520 and^G2532 despise^G2706 the^G3588 other.^G2087 Ye cannot^{G1410 G3756} serve^G1398 God^G2316 and^G2532 mammon.^G3126

Mat_19:19  Honour^G5091 thy^G4675 father^G3962 and^G2532 thy mother: and,^G3384 Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself.^G4572

Mat_22:37  ^(G1161) Jesus^G2424 said^G2036 unto him,^G846 Thou shalt love^G25 the Lord^G2962 thy^G4675 God^G2316 with^G1722 all^G3650 thy^G4675 heart,^G2588 and^G2532 with^G1722 all^G3650 thy^G4675 soul,^G5590 and^G2532 with^G1722 all^G3650 thy^G4675 mind.^G1271

Mat_22:39  And^G1161 the second^G1208 is like unto^G3664 it,^G846 Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself.^G4572

Mar_10:21  Then^G1161 Jesus^G2424 beholding^G1689 him^G846 loved^G25 him,^G846 and^G2532 said^G2036 unto him,^G846 One thing^G1520 thou^G4671 lackest:^G5302 go thy way,^G5217 sell^G4453 whatsoever^G3745 thou hast,^G2192 and^G2532 give^G1325 to the^G3588 poor,^G4434 and^G2532 thou shalt have^G2192 treasure^G2344 in^G1722 heaven:^G3772 and^G2532 come,^G1204 take up^G142 the^G3588 cross,^G4716 and follow^G190 me.^G3427

Mar_12:30  And^G2532 thou shalt love^G25 the Lord^G2962 thy^G4675 God^G2316 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 heart,^G2588 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 soul,^G5590 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 mind,^G1271 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 strength:^G2479 this^G3778 is the first^G4413 commandment.^G1785

Mar_12:31  And^G2532 the second^G1208 is like,^G3664 namely this,^G3778 Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself.^G4572 There is^G2076 none^G3756 other^G243 commandment^G1785 greater^G3187 than these.^G5130

Mar_12:33  And^G2532 to love^G25 him^G846 with^G1537 all^G3650 the^G3588 heart,^G2588 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 the^G3588 understanding,^G4907 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 the^G3588 soul,^G5590 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 the^G3588 strength,^G2479 and^G2532 to love^G25 his neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 himself,^G1438 is^G2076 more^G4119 than all^G3956 whole burnt offerings^G3646 and^G2532 sacrifices.^G2378

Luk_6:27  But^G235 I say^G3004 unto you^G5213 which hear,^G191 Love^G25 your^G5216 enemies,^G2190 do^G4160 good^G2573 to them which hate^G3404 you,^G5209

Luk_6:32  For^G2532 if^G1487 ye love^G25 them which love^G25 you,^G5209 what^G4169 thank^G5485 have^G2076 ye?^G5213 for^G1063 sinners^G268 also^G2532 love^G25 those that love^G25 them.^G846

Luk_6:35  But^G4133 love^G25 ye your^G5216 enemies,^G2190 and^G2532 do good,^G15 and^G2532 lend,^G1155 hoping for nothing again;^{G560 G3367} and^G2532 your^G5216 reward^G3408 shall be^G2071 great,^G4183 and^G2532 ye shall be^G2071 the children^G5207 of the^G3588 Highest:^G5310 for^G3754 he^G846 is^G2076 kind^G5543 unto^G1909 the^G3588 unthankful^G884 and^G2532 to the evil.^G4190

Luk_7:5  For^G1063 he loveth^G25 our^G2257 nation,^G1484 and^G2532 he^G846 hath built^G3618 us^G2254 a synagogue.^G4864

Luk_7:42  And^G1161 when they^G846 had^G2192 nothing^G3361 to pay,^G591 he frankly forgave^G5483 them both.^G297 Tell^G2036 me therefore,^G3767 which^G5101 of them^G846 will love^G25 him^G846 most?^G4119

Luk_7:47  Wherefore^{G5484 G3739} I say^G3004 unto thee,^G5213 Her^G846 sins,^G266 which are many,^G4183 are forgiven;^G863 for^G3754 she loved^G25 much:^G4183 but^G1161 to whom^G3739 little^G3641 is forgiven,^G863 the same loveth^G25 little.^G3641

Luk_10:27  And^G1161 he^G3588 answering^G611 said,^G2036 Thou shalt love^G25 the Lord^G2962 thy^G4675 God^G2316 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 heart,^G2588 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 soul,^G5590 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 strength,^G2479 and^G2532 with^G1537 all^G3650 thy^G4675 mind;^G1271 and^G2532 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself.^G4572

Luk_11:43  Woe^G3759 unto you,^G5213 Pharisees!^G5330 for^G3754 ye love^G25 the^G3588 uppermost seats^G4410 in^G1722 the^G3588 synagogues,^G4864 and^G2532 greetings^G783 in^G1722 the^G3588 markets.^G58

Luk_16:13  No^G3762 servant^G3610 can^G1410 serve^G1398 two^G1417 masters:^G2962 for^G1063 either^G2228 he will hate^G3404 the^G3588 one,^G1520 and^G2532 love^G25 the^G3588 other;^G2087 or else^G2228 he will hold to^G472 the one,^G1520 and^G2532 despise^G2706 the^G3588 other.^G2087 Ye cannot^{G1410 G3756} serve^G1398 God^G2316 and^G2532 mammon.^G3126

Joh_3:16  For^G1063 God^G2316 so^G3779 loved^G25 the^G3588 world,^G2889 that^G5620 he gave^G1325 his^G848 only begotten^G3439 Son,^G5207 that^G2443 whosoever^G3956 believeth^G4100 in^G1519 him^G846 should not^G3361 perish,^G622 but^G235 have^G2192 everlasting^G166 life.^G2222

Joh_3:19  And^G1161 this^G3778 is^G2076 the^G3588 condemnation,^G2920 that^G3754 light^G5457 is come^G2064 into^G1519 the^G3588 world,^G2889 and^G2532 men^G444 loved^G25 darkness^G4655 rather^G3123 than^G2228 light,^G5457 because^G1063 their^G846 deeds^G2041 were^G2258 evil.^G4190

Joh_3:35  The^G3588 Father^G3962 loveth^G25 the^G3588 Son,^G5207 and^G2532 hath given^G1325 all things^G3956 into^G1722 his^G846 hand.^G5495

Joh_8:42  Jesus^G2424 said^G2036 unto them,^G846 If^G1487 God^G2316 were^G2258 your^G5216 Father,^G3962 ye would love^{G25 G302} me:^G1691 for^G1063 I^G1473 proceeded forth^G1831 and^G2532 came^G2240 from^G1537 God;^G2316(G1063) neither^G3761 came^G2064 I of^G575 myself,^G1683 but^G235 he^G1565 sent^G649 me.^G3165

Joh_10:17  Therefore^{G1223 G5124} doth my Father^G3962 love^G25 me,^G3165 because^G3754 I^G1473 lay down^G5087 my^G3450 life,^G5590 that^G2443 I might take^G2983 it^G846 again.^G3825

Joh_11:5  Now^G1161 Jesus^G2424 loved^G25 Martha,^G3136 and^G2532 her^G846 sister,^G79 and^G2532 Lazarus.^G2976

Joh_12:43  For^G1063 they loved^G25 the^G3588 praise^G1391 of men^G444 more^G3123 than^G2260 the^G3588 praise^G1391 of God.^G2316

Joh_13:1  Now^G1161 before^G4253 the^G3588 feast^G1859 of the^G3588 passover,^G3957 when Jesus^G2424 knew^G1492 that^G3754 his^G846 hour^G5610 was come^G2064 that^G2443 he should depart^G3327 out of^G1537 this^G5127 world^G2889 unto^G4314 the^G3588 Father,^G3962 having loved^G25 his own^G2398 which^G3588 were in^G1722 the^G3588 world,^G2889 he loved^G25 them^G846 unto^G1519 the end.^G5056

Joh_13:23  Now^G1161 there was^G2258 leaning^G345 on^G1722 Jesus’^G2424 bosom^G2859 one^G1520 of^G1537 his^G846 disciples,^G3101 whom^G3739 Jesus^G2424 loved.^G25

Joh_13:34  A new^G2537 commandment^G1785 I give^G1325 unto you,^G5213 That^G2443 ye love^G25 one another;^G240 as^G2531 I have loved^G25 you,^G5209 that^G2443 ye^G5210 also^G2532 love^G25 one another.^G240

Joh_14:15  If^G1437 ye love^G25 me,^G3165 keep^G5083 my^G1699 commandments.^G1785

Joh_14:21  He that hath^G2192 my^G3450 commandments,^G1785 and^G2532 keepeth^G5083 them,^G846 he^G1565 it is^G2076 that loveth^G25 me:^G3165 and^G1161 he that loveth^G25 me^G3165 shall be loved^G25 of^G5259 my^G3450 Father,^G3962 and^G2532 I^G1473 will love^G25 him,^G846 and^G2532 will manifest^G1718 myself^G1683 to him.^G846

Joh_14:23  Jesus^G2424 answered^G611 and^G2532 said^G2036 unto him,^G846 If^G1437 a man^G5100 love^G25 me,^G3165 he will keep^G5083 my^G3450 words:^G3056 and^G2532 my^G3450 Father^G3962 will love^G25 him,^G846 and^G2532 we will come^G2064 unto^G4314 him,^G846 and^G2532 make^G4160 our abode^G3438 with^G3844 him.^G846

Joh_14:24  He that loveth^G25 me^G3165 not^G3361 keepeth^G5083 not^G3756 my^G3450 sayings:^G3056 and^G2532 the^G3588 word^G3056 which^G3739 ye hear^G191 is^G2076 not^G3756 mine,^G1699 but^G235 the Father’s^G3962 which sent^G3992 me.^G3165

Joh_14:28  Ye have heard^G191 how^G3754 I^G1473 said^G2036 unto you,^G5213 I go away,^G5217 and^G2532 come^G2064 again unto^G4314 you.^G5209 If^G1487 ye loved^G25 me,^G3165 ye would rejoice,^{G5463 G302} because^G3754 I said,^G2036 I go^G4198 unto^G4314 the^G3588 Father:^G3962 for^G3754 my^G3450 Father^G3962 is^G2076 greater^G3187 than I.^G3450

Joh_14:31  But^G235 that^G2443 the^G3588 world^G2889 may know^G1097 that^G3754 I love^G25 the^G3588 Father;^G3962 and^G2532 as^G2531 the^G3588 Father^G3962 gave me commandment,^{G1781 G3427} even so^G3779 I do.^G4160 Arise,^G1453 let us go^G71 hence.^G1782

Joh_15:9  As^G2531 the^G3588 Father hath^G3962 loved^G25 me,^G3165 so have I loved^{G2504 G25} you:^G5209 continue^G3306 ye in^G1722 my^G1699 love.^G26

Joh_15:12  This^G3778 is^G2076 my^G1699 commandment,^G1785 That^G2443 ye love^G25 one another,^G240 as^G2531 I have loved^G25 you.^G5209

Joh_15:17  These things^G5023 I command^G1781 you,^G5213 that^G2443 ye love^G25 one another.^G240

Joh_17:23  I^G1473 in^G1722 them,^G846 and^G2532 thou^G4771 in^G1722 me,^G1698 that^G2443 they may be^G5600 made perfect^G5048 in^G1519 one;^G1520 and^G2532 that^G2443 the^G3588 world^G2889 may know^G1097 that^G3754 thou^G4771 hast sent^G649 me,^G3165 and^G2532 hast loved^G25 them,^G846 as^G2531 thou hast loved^G25 me.^G1691

Joh_17:24  Father,^G3962 I will^G2309 that^G2443 they also,^G2548 whom^G3739 thou hast given^G1325 me,^G3427 be^G5600 with^G3326 me^G1700 where^G3699 I^G1473 am;^G1510 that^G2443 they may behold^G2334 my^G1699 glory,^G1391 which^G3739 thou hast given^G1325 me:^G3427 for^G3754 thou lovedst^G25 me^G3165 before^G4253 the foundation^G2602 of the world.^G2889

Joh_17:26  And^G2532 I have declared^G1107 unto them^G846 thy^G4675 name,^G3686 and^G2532 will declare^G1107 it: that^G2443 the^G3588 love^G26 wherewith^G3739 thou hast loved^G25 me^G3165 may be^G5600 in^G1722 them,^G846 and I^G2504 in^G1722 them.^G846

Joh_19:26  When Jesus^G2424 therefore^G3767 saw^G1492 his mother,^G3384 and^G2532 the^G3588 disciple^G3101 standing by,^G3936 whom^G3739 he loved,^G25 he saith^G3004 unto his^G848 mother,^G3384 Woman,^G1135 behold^G2400 thy^G4675 son!^G5207

Joh_21:7  Therefore^G3767 that^G1565 disciple^G3101 whom^G3739 Jesus^G2424 loved^G25 saith^G3004 unto Peter,^G4074 It is^G2076 the^G3588 Lord.^G2962 Now^G3767 when Simon^G4613 Peter^G4074 heard^G191 that^G3754 it was^G2076 the^G3588 Lord,^G2962 he girt^G1241 his fisher’s coat^G1903 unto him, (for^G1063 he was^G2258 naked,)^G1131 and^G2532 did cast^G906 himself^G1438 into^G1519 the^G3588 sea.^G2281

Peter’ not known it years ago s reinstatement back into the ministry after denying Christ

John_21:15  SoG3767 whenG3753 they had dined,G709 JesusG2424 saithG3004 to SimonG4613 Peter,G4074 Simon,G4613 son of Jonas,G2495 lovestG25 thou meG3165 moreG4119 than these? HeG5130 saithG3004 unto him,G846 Yea,G3483 Lord;G2962 thouG4771 knowestG1492 thatG3754 I loveG5368 thee.G4571 He saithG3004 unto him,G846 FeedG1006 myG3450 lambs.G721

Joh_21:16  He saithG3004 to himG846 againG3825 the second time,G1208 Simon,G4613 son of Jonas,G2495 lovestG25 thou me? HeG3165 saithG3004 unto him,G846 Yea,G3483 Lord;G2962 thouG4771 knowestG1492 thatG3754 I loveG5368 thee.G4571 He saithG3004 unto him,G846 FeedG4165 myG3450 sheep.G4263

Joh 21:17  He saithG3004 unto himG846 theG3588 third time,G5154 Simon,G4613 son of Jonas,G2495 lovestG5368 thou me?G3165 PeterG4074 was grievedG3076 becauseG3754 he saidG2036 unto himG846 theG3588 third time,G5154 LovestG5368 thou me?G3165 AndG2532 he saidG2036 unto him,G846 Lord,G2962 thouG4771 knowestG1492 all things;G3956 thouG4771 knowestG1097 thatG3754 I loveG5368 thee.G4571 JesusG2424 saithG3004 unto him,G846 FeedG1006 myG3450 sheep.G4263

 
Joh_21:20  Then^G1161 Peter,^G4074 turning about,^G1994 seeth^G991 the^G3588 disciple^G3101 whom^G3739 Jesus^G2424 loved^G25 following;^G190 which^G3739 also^G2532 leaned^G377 on^G1909 his^G846 breast^G4738 at^G1722 supper,^G1173 and^G2532 said,^G2036 Lord,^G2962 which^G5101 is^G2076 he that betrayeth^G3860 thee?^G4571

Rom_8:28  And^G1161 we know^G1492 that^G3754 all things^G3956 work together^G4903 for^G1519 good^G18 to them that love^G25 God,^G2316 to them who are^G5607 the^G3588 called^G2822 according^G2596 to his purpose.^G4286

Rom_8:37  Nay,^G235 in^G1722 all^G3956 these things^G5125 we are more than conquerors^G5245 through^G1223 him that loved^G25 us.^G2248

Rom_9:13  As^G2531 it is written,^G1125 Jacob^G2384 have I loved,^G25 but^G1161 Esau^G2269 have I hated.^G3404

Rom_9:25  As^G5613 he saith^G3004 also^G2532 in^G1722 Osee,^G5617 I will call^G2564 them my^G3450 people,^G2992 which^G3588 were not^G3756 my^G3450 people;^G2992 and^G2532 her beloved,^G25 which was not beloved.^{G25 G3756}

Rom_13:8  Owe^G3784 no man^G3367 any thing,^G3367 but^G1508 to love^G25 one another:^G240 for^G1063 he that loveth^G25 another^G2087 hath fulfilled^G4137 the law.^G3551

Rom_13:9  For^G1063 this,^G3588 Thou shalt not^G3756 commit adultery,^G3431 Thou shalt not^G3756 kill,^G5407 Thou shalt not^G3756 steal,^G2813 Thou shalt not^G3756 bear false witness,^G5576 Thou shalt not^G3756 covet;^G1937 and^G2532 if there be any^G1536 other^G2087 commandment,^G1785 it is briefly comprehended^G346 in^G1722 this^G5129 saying,^G3056 namely,^{G1722 G3588} Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself.^G1438

1Co_2:9  But^G235 as^G2531 it is written,^{G1125 (G3739)} Eye^G3788 hath not^G3756 seen,^G1492 nor^G3756 ear^G3775 heard,^G191 neither^{G2532 G3756} have entered^G305 into^G1909 the heart^G2588 of man,^G444 the things which^G3739 God^G2316 hath prepared^G2090 for them that love^G25 him.^G846

1Co_8:3  But^G1161 if^G1487 any man^G5100 love^G25 God,^G2316 the same^G3778 is known^G1097 of^G5259 him.^G846

2Co_9:7  Every man^G1538 according as^G2531 he purposeth^G4255 in his heart,^G2588 so let him give; not^G3361 grudgingly,^{G1537 G3077} or^G2228 of^G1537 necessity:^G318 for^G1063 God^G2316 loveth^G25 a cheerful^G2431 giver.^G1395

2Co_11:11  Wherefore?^G1302 because^G3754 I love^G25 you^G5209 not?^G3756 God^G2316 knoweth.^G1492

2Co_12:15  And^G1161 I^G1473 will very gladly^G2236 spend^G1159 and^G2532 be spent^G1550 for^G5228 you;^G5216 though^G1499 the more abundantly^G4056 I love^G25 you,^G5209 the less^G2276 I be loved.^G25

Gal_2:20  I am crucified with^G4957 Christ:^G5547 nevertheless^G1161 I live;^G2198 yet not^G3765 I,^G1473 but^G1161 Christ^G5547 liveth^G2198 in^G1722 me:^G1698 and^G1161 the life which^G3739 I now^G3568 live^G2198 in^G1722 the flesh^G4561 I live^G2198 by^G1722 the faith^G4102 of^(G3588) the^G3588 Son^G5207 of God,^G2316 who loved^G25 me,^G3165 and^G2532 gave^G3860 himself^G1438 for^G5228 me.^G1700

Gal_5:14  For^G1063 all^G3956 the law^G3551 is fulfilled^G4137 in^G1722 one^G1520 word,^G3056 even in^G1722 this;^G3588 Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself.^G1438

Eph_1:6  To^G1519 the praise^G1868 of the glory^G1391 of his^G848 grace,^G5485 wherein^{G1722 G3739} he hath made us accepted^{G5487 G2248} in^G1722 the^G3588 beloved.^G25

Eph_2:4  But^G1161 God,^G2316 who is^G5607 rich^G4145 in^G1722 mercy,^G1656 for^G1223 his^G848 great^G4183 love^G26 wherewith^G3739 he loved^G25 us,^G2248

Eph_5:2  And^G2532 walk^G4043 in^G1722 love,^G26 as^G2531 Christ^G5547 also^G2532 hath loved^G25 us,^G2248 and^G2532 hath given^G3860 himself^G1438 for^G5228 us^G2257 an offering^G4376 and^G2532 a sacrifice^G2378 to God^G2316 for^G1519 a sweetsmelling^G2175 savour.^G3744

Eph_5:25  Husbands,^G435 love^G25 your^G1438 wives,^G1135 even as^G2531 Christ^G5547 also^G2532 loved^G25 the^G3588 church,^G1577 and^G2532 gave^G3860 himself^G1438 for^G5228 it;^G846

Eph_5:28  So^G3779 ought^G3784 men^G435 to love^G25 their^G1438 wives^G1135 as^G5613 their own^G1438 bodies.^G4983 He that loveth^G25 his^G1438 wife^G1135 loveth^G25 himself.^G1438

Eph_5:33  Nevertheless^G4133 let every one^G1538 of you^G5210(G2532) in particular^{G2596 G1520} so^G3779 love^G25 his^G1438 wife^G1135 even as^G5613 himself;^G1438 and^G1161 the^G3588 wife^G1135 see that^G2443 she reverence^G5399 her husband.^G435

Eph_6:24  Grace^G5485 be with^G3326 all^G3956 them that love^G25 our^G2257 Lord^G2962 Jesus^G2424 Christ^G5547 in^G1722 sincerity.^G861 Amen.^G281

Col_3:12  Put on^G1746 therefore,^G3767 as^G5613 the elect^G1588 of God,^G2316 holy^G40 and^G2532 beloved,^G25 bowels^G4698 of mercies,^G3628 kindness,^G5544 humbleness of mind,^G5012 meekness,^G4236 longsuffering;^G3115

Col_3:19  Husbands,^G435 love^G25 your wives,^G1135 and^G2532 be not bitter^{G4087 G3361} against^G4314 them.^G846

1Th_1:4  Knowing,^G1492 brethren^G80 beloved,^G25 your^G5216 election^G1589 of^G5259 God.^G2316

1Th_4:9  But^G1161 as touching^G4012 brotherly love^G5360 ye need^{G2192 G5532} not^G3756 that I write^G1125 unto you:^G5213 for^G1063 ye^G5210 yourselves^G846 are^G2075 taught of God^G2312 to^G1519 love^G25 one another.^G240

2Th_2:13  But^G1161 we^G2249 are bound^G3784 to give thanks^G2168 alway^G3842 to God^G2316 for^G4012 you,^G5216 brethren^G80 beloved^G25 of^G5259 the Lord,^G2962 because^G3754 God^G2316 hath from^G575 the beginning^G746 chosen^G138 you^G5209 to^G1519 salvation^G4991 through^G1722 sanctification^G38 of the Spirit^G4151 and^G2532 belief^G4102 of the truth:^G225

2Th_2:16  Now^G1161 our^G2257 Lord^G2962 Jesus^G2424 Christ^G5547 himself,^G846 and^G2532 God,^G2316 even^G2532 our^G2257 Father,^G3962 which hath loved^G25 us,^G2248 and^G2532 hath given^G1325 us everlasting^G166 consolation^G3874 and^G2532 good^G18 hope^G1680 through^G1722 grace,^G5485

2Ti_4:8  Henceforth^G3063 there is laid up^G606 for me^G3427 a crown^G4735 of righteousness,^G1343 which^G3739 the^G3588 Lord,^G2962 the^G3588 righteous^G1342 judge,^G2923 shall give^G591 me^G3427 at^G1722 that^G1565 day:^G2250 and^G1161 not^G3756 to me^G1698 only,^G3440 but^G235 unto all^G3956 them also that love^{G25 G2532} his^G846 appearing.^G2015

2Ti_4:10  For^G1063 Demas^G1214 hath forsaken^G1459 me,^G3165 having loved^G25 this present^G3568 world,^G165 and^G2532 is departed^G4198 unto^G1519 Thessalonica;^G2332 Crescens^G2913 to^G1519 Galatia,^G1053 Titus^G5103 unto^G1519 Dalmatia.^G1149

Heb_1:9  Thou hast loved^G25 righteousness,^G1343 and^G2532 hated^G3404 iniquity;^G458 therefore^{G1223 G5124} God,^G2316 even thy^G4675 God,^G2316 hath anointed^G5548 thee^G4571 with the oil^G1637 of gladness^G20 above^G3844 thy^G4675 fellows.^G3353

Heb_12:6  For^G1063 whom^G3739 the Lord^G2962 loveth^G25 he chasteneth,^G3811 and^G1161 scourgeth^G3146 every^G3956 son^G5207 whom^G3739 he receiveth.^G3858

Jas_1:12  Blessed^G3107 is the man^G435 that^G3739 endureth^G5278 temptation:^G3986 for^G3754 when he is^G1096 tried,^G1384 he shall receive^G2983 the^G3588 crown^G4735 of life,^G2222 which^G3739 the^G3588 Lord^G2962 hath promised^G1861 to them that love^G25 him.^G846

Jas_2:5  Hearken,^G191 my^G3450 beloved^G27 brethren,^G80 Hath not^G3756 God^G2316 chosen^G1586 the^G3588 poor^G4434 of this^G5127 world^G2889 rich^G4145 in^G1722 faith,^G4102 and^G2532 heirs^G2818 of the^G3588 kingdom^G932 which^G3739 he hath promised^G1861 to them that love^G25 him?^G846

Jas_2:8  If^G1487 ye^(G3305) fulfil^G5055 the royal^G937 law^G3551 according^G2596 to the^G3588 scripture,^G1124 Thou shalt love^G25 thy^G4675 neighbour^G4139 as^G5613 thyself,^G4572 ye do^G4160 well:^G2573

1Pe_1:8  Whom^G3739 having not^G3756 seen,^G1492 ye love;^G25 in^G1519 whom,^G3739 though now^G737 ye see^G3708 him not,^G3361 yet^G1161 believing,^G4100 ye rejoice^G21 with joy^G5479 unspeakable^G412 and^G2532 full of glory:^G1392

1Pe_1:22  Seeing ye have purified^G48 your^G5216 souls^G5590 in^G1722 obeying^G5218 the^G3588 truth^G225 through^G1223 the Spirit^G4151 unto^G1519 unfeigned^G505 love of the brethren,^G5360 see that ye love^G25 one another^G240 with^G1537 a pure^G2513 heart^G2588 fervently:^G1619

1Pe_2:17  Honour^G5091 all^G3956 men. Love^G25 the^G3588 brotherhood.^G81 Fear^G5399 God.^G2316 Honour^G5091 the^G3588 king.^G935

1Pe_3:10  For^G1063 he that will^G2309 love^G25 life,^G2222 and^G2532 see^G1492 good^G18 days,^G2250 let him refrain^G3973 his^G848 tongue^G1100 from^G575 evil,^G2556 and^G2532 his^G848 lips^G5491 that they speak^G2980 no^G3361 guile:^G1388

2Pe_2:15  Which have forsaken^G2641 the^G3588 right^G2117 way,^G3598 and are gone astray,^G4105 following^G1811 the^G3588 way^G3598 of Balaam^G903 the son of Bosor,^G1007 who^G3739 loved^G25 the wages^G3408 of unrighteousness;^G93

1Jn_2:10  He that loveth^G25 his^G848 brother^G80 abideth^G3306 in^G1722 the^G3588 light,^G5457 and^G2532 there is^G2076 none^G3756 occasion of stumbling^G4625 in^G1722 him.^G846

1Jn_2:15  Love^G25 not^G3361 the^G3588 world,^G2889 neither^G3366 the things^G3588 that are in^G1722 the^G3588 world.^G2889 If^G1437 any man^G5100 love^G25 the^G3588 world,^G2889 the^G3588 love^G26 of the^G3588 Father^G3962 is^G2076 not^G3756 in^G1722 him.^G846

1Jn_3:10  In^G1722 this^G5129 the^G3588 children^G5043 of God^G2316 are^G2076 manifest,^G5318 and^G2532 the^G3588 children^G5043 of the^G3588 devil:^G1228 whosoever^G3956 doeth^G4160 not^G3361 righteousness^G1343 is^G2076 not^G3756 of^G1537 God,^G2316 neither^G2532 he that loveth^G25 not^G3361 his^G848 brother.^G80

1Jn_3:11  For^G3754 this^G3778 is^G2076 the^G3588 message^G31 that^G3739 ye heard^G191 from^G575 the beginning,^G746 that^G2443 we should love^G25 one another.^G240

1Jn_3:14  We^G2249 know^G1492 that^G3754 we have passed^G3327 from^G1537 death^G2288 unto^G1519 life,^G2222 because^G3754 we love^G25 the^G3588 brethren.^G80 He that loveth^G25 not^G3361 his brother^G80 abideth^G3306 in^G1722 death.^G2288

1Jn_3:18  My^G3450 little children,^G5040 let us not^G3361 love^G25 in word,^G3056 neither^G3366 in tongue;^G1100 but^G235 in deed^G2041 and^G2532 in truth.^G225

1Jn_3:23  And^G2532 this^G3778 is^G2076 his^G848 commandment,^G1785 That^G2443 we should believe^G4100 on the^G3588 name^G3686 of his^G848 Son^G5207 Jesus^G2424 Christ,^G5547 and^G2532 love^G25 one another,^G240 as^G2531 he gave^G1325 us^G2254 commandment.^G1785

1Jn_4:7  Beloved,^G27 let us love^G25 one another:^G240 for^G3754 love^G26 is^G2076 of^G1537 God;^G2316 and^G2532 every one^G3956 that loveth^G25 is born^G1080 of^G1537 God,^G2316 and^G2532 knoweth^G1097 God.^G2316

1Jn_4:8  He that loveth^G25 not^G3361 knoweth^G1097 not^G3756 God;^G2316 for^G3754 God^G2316 is^G2076 love.^G26

1Jn_4:10  Herein^{G1722 G5129} is^G2076 love,^G26 not^G3756 that^G3754 we^G2249 loved^G25 God,^G2316 but^G235 that^G3754 he^G846 loved^G25 us,^G2248 and^G2532 sent^G649 his^G848 Son^G5207 to be the propitiation^G2434 for^G4012 our^G2257 sins.^G266

1Jn_4:11  Beloved,^G27 if^G1487 God^G2316 so^G3779 loved^G25 us,^G2248 we^G2249 ought^G3784 also^G2532 to love^G25 one another.^G240

1Jn_4:12  No man^G3762 hath seen^G2300 God^G2316 at any time.^G4455 If^G1437 we love^G25 one another,^G240 God^G2316 dwelleth^G3306 in^G1722 us,^G2254 and^G2532 his^G848 love^G26 is^G2076 perfected^G5048 in^G1722 us.^G2254

1Jn_4:19  We^G2249 love^G25 him,^G846 because^G3754 he^G846 first^G4413 loved^G25 us.^G2248

1Jn_4:20  If^G1437 a man^G5100 say,^G2036 I love^G25 God,^G2316 and^G2532 hateth^G3404 his^G848 brother,^G80 he is^G2076 a liar:^G5583 for^G1063 he that loveth^G25 not^G3361 his^G848 brother^G80 whom^G3739 he hath seen,^G3708 how^G4459 can^G1410 he love^G25 God^G2316 whom^G3739 he hath not^G3756 seen?^G3708

1Jn_4:21  And^G2532 this^G5026 commandment^G1785 have^G2192 we from^G575 him,^G846 That^G2443 he who loveth^G25 God^G2316 love^G25 his^G848 brother^G80 also.^G2532

1Jn_5:1  Whosoever^G3956 believeth^G4100 that^G3754 Jesus^G2424 is^G2076 the^G3588 Christ^G5547 is born^G1080 of^G1537 God:^G2316 and^G2532 every one^G3956 that loveth^G25 him that begat^G1080 loveth^G25 him also that is begotten^{G1080 G2532} of^G1537 him.^G846

1Jn_5:2  By^G1722 this^G5129 we know^G1097 that^G3754 we love^G25 the^G3588 children^G5043 of God,^G2316 when^G3752 we love^G25 God,^G2316 and^G2532 keep^G5083 his^G848 commandments.^G1785

2Jn_1:1  The^G3588 elder^G4245 unto the elect^G1588 lady^G2959 and^G2532 her^G848 children,^G5043 whom^G3739 I^G1473 love^G25 in^G1722 the truth;^G225 and^G2532 not^G3756 I^G1473 only,^G3441 but^G235 also^G2532 all^G3956 they that have known^G1097 the^G3588 truth;^G225

2Jn_1:5  And^G2532 now^G3568 I beseech^G2065 thee,^G4571 lady,^G2959 not^G3756 as though^G5613 I wrote^G1125 a new^G2537 commandment^G1785 unto thee,^G4671 but^G235 that which^G3739 we had^G2192 from^G575 the beginning,^G746 that^G2443 we love^G25 one another.^G240

3Jn_1:1  The^G3588 elder^G4245 unto the^G3588 wellbeloved^G27 Gaius,^G1050 whom^G3739 I^G1473 love^G25 in^G1722 the truth.^G225

Rev_1:5  And^G2532 from^G575 Jesus^G2424 Christ,^G5547 who is the^G3588 faithful^G4103 witness,^G3144 and the^G3588 first begotten^G4416 of^G1537 the^G3588 dead,^G3498 and^G2532 the^G3588 prince^G758 of the^G3588 kings^G935 of the^G3588 earth.^G1093 Unto him that loved^G25 us,^G2248 and^G2532 washed^G3068 us^G2248 from^G575 our^G2257 sins^G266 in^G1722 his own^G848 blood,^G129

Rev_3:9  Behold,^G2400 I will make^G1325 them^G3588 of^G1537 the^G3588 synagogue^G4864 of Satan,^G4567 which say^G3004 they^G1438 are^G1511 Jews,^G2453 and^G2532 are^G1526 not,^G3756 but^G235 do lie;^G5574 behold,^G2400 I will make^G4160 them^G846 to^G2443 come^G2240 and^G2532 worship^G4352 before^G1799 thy^G4675 feet,^G4228 and^G2532 to know^G1097 that^G3754 I^G1473 have loved^G25 thee.^G4571

Rev_12:11  And^G2532 they^G846 overcame^G3528 him^G846 by^G1223 the^G3588 blood^G129 of the^G3588 Lamb,^G721 and^G2532 by^G1223 the^G3588 word^G3056 of their^G848 testimony;^G3141 and^G2532 they loved^G25 not^G3756 their^G848 lives^G5590 unto^G891 the death.^G2288

Rev_20:9  And^G2532 they went up^G305 on^G1909 the^G3588 breadth^G4114 of the^G3588 earth,^G1093 and^G2532 compassed the camp of the saints about,^{G2944 G3588 G3925 G3588 G40} and^G2532 the^G3588 beloved^G25 city:^G4172 and^G2532 fire^G4442 came down^G2597 from^G575 God^G2316 out of^G1537 heaven,^G3772 and^G2532 devoured^G2719 them.^G846

 

109 verses found, 142 matches

Matthew	7 verses found	8 matches
Mark	4 verses found	5 matches
Luke	9 verses found	13 matches
John	27 verses found	37 matches
Romans	6 verses found	8 matches
1 Corinthians	2 verses found	2 matches
2 Corinthians	3 verses found	4 matches
Galatians	2 verses found	2 matches
Ephesians	7 verses found	10 matches
Colossians	2 verses found	2 matches
1 Thessalonians	2 verses found	2 matches
2 Thessalonians	2 verses found	2 matches
2 Timothy	2 verses found	2 matches
Hebrews	2 verses found	2 matches
James	3 verses found	3 matches
1 Peter	4 verses found	4 matches
2 Peter	1 verse found	1 match
1 John	17 verses found	28 matches
2 John	2 verses found	2 matches
3 John	1 verse found	1 match
Revelation	4 verses found	4 matches

2.  Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary