Faith & Reason Nexus

The Biblical Concept of Love, Not the Distorted Societal View

1. To Love God
   • A healthy love begins with God. Teaching children to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind establishes a foundation for all other forms of love.
   • Matthew 22:37 – “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
2. To Love Parents
   • Children should be taught to honor and respect their parents, which reflects the commandment given by God. This love strengthens family bonds and fosters mutual respect.
   • Ephesians 6:2-3 – “Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’”
3. To Love Others
   • Loving others is a direct reflection of loving God. Parents should teach their children to love their neighbors, showing kindness, empathy, and compassion to those around them.
   • Mark 12:31 – “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
4. To Love Self
   • True love involves a balanced self-love—acknowledging one’s value as created by God. Parents should help their children develop self-respect, confidence, and care for their well-being without selfishness.
   • Matthew 22:39 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The Opposite of Love is Hate

• If parents fail to plant love in their children’s hearts, the seeds of hatred can take root, influenced by negative societal views or sinful inclinations. It is essential to guide children toward the love that is pure, patient, kind, and selfless, as described in 1 Corinthians 13.
  • 1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”