Love encompasses a broad range of strong positive emotions and attachments, from the most sublime virtue or good habit to the deepest interpersonal affection and the simplest pleasure. It is a complex blend of emotions and involves both physical sensations as well as cognitive processes and behavioral expressions.
It can also refer to a general fondness or liking for something, such as a hobby or activity: “I have a love of theater,” or “I’m in a love affair with chocolate.” The most common definition of love is an intense, often romantic affection for another person. It is usually contrasted with hatred or neutral apathy, and it can have either sexual or non-sexual aspects.
Various studies have shown that people’s feelings of love can be triggered by specific chemicals in the brain. The intensity of the feelings is influenced by a variety of factors, including the person’s personality traits, relationship history and their past experiences with love. For example, those with a high need for validation and preoccupation with their relationship partners tend to endorse more mania love than those with a low need for connection and tolerance of rejection.
The Bible teaches that loving God and others is a choice that reflects the divine nature of God, revealed through Jesus Christ’s life and teachings. It is characterized by selflessness, devotion and humility. The ultimate expression of this love is seen in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross for the redemption of humanity.