Romantic love is one of the most powerful experiences a person can have.
It brings joy, excitement, and deep connection.
From the first flutter of attraction to lifelong commitment, love shapes the way we relate to others.
But what does the Bible say about romantic love?
Does God encourage it?
Are there guidelines for how we should love someone in a relationship?
The Bible is filled with wisdom about love—what it should look like, how it should be expressed, and how it can honor God.
Let’s explore what Scripture says about romantic love and how we can live it out in a way that pleases God.
Love Was Created by God
Love is not something humans invented.
It is part of God’s design.
From the very beginning, God intended for people to experience love and companionship.
Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'”
This was the first love story.
God saw that Adam needed a partner, so He created Eve.
They were made to be together—to love, support, and cherish one another.
This tells us that romantic love is not just a human desire—it is a gift from God.
It is something He wants us to experience, but in the right way.
Love Is More Than Just Feelings
Many people think love is just an emotion.
Something that comes and goes.
But the Bible teaches that real love is deeper than feelings.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 gives a clear picture of what true love looks like.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This kind of love is not based on emotions alone.
It is a choice.
A commitment to be kind, patient, and forgiving—even when it’s hard.
True love isn’t about always feeling happy.
It’s about choosing to love even on difficult days.
Love Should Reflect God’s Love
Romantic love should be a reflection of the love God has for us.
Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
That is a big statement.
Jesus’ love for the church was sacrificial.
It was not selfish or based on what He could get in return.
He loved with complete devotion, willing to lay down His life.
This is the kind of love the Bible calls us to in relationships.
Love that gives.
Love that sacrifices.
Love that is not focused on personal gain but on the good of the other person.
Love Requires Trust and Respect
A healthy relationship cannot survive without trust and respect.
1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
True love does not look for ways to tear the other person down.
It does not manipulate, control, or harm.
It builds up, encourages, and forgives.
Trust is the foundation of romantic love.
Without it, relationships crumble.
Respect is just as important.
Ephesians 5:33 says, “Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
Romantic love should always include mutual honor.
If a relationship lacks respect, it is not the kind of love God desires.
Love Should Be Pure
The world often promotes a view of love that is focused only on physical attraction and desire.
But the Bible calls us to a higher standard.
Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Romantic love is not just about passion—it is about purity.
God designed physical intimacy to be part of marriage.
When it is taken outside of that commitment, it loses its true meaning.
Waiting for love to be expressed in the right time and place is not about restriction—it is about honoring God’s design.
Real love values purity and does not pressure someone into something that dishonors God.
Love Requires Patience
Not every love story unfolds quickly.
Sometimes, love takes time to grow.
Song of Solomon 8:4 says, “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”
This means love should not be rushed.
Relationships that move too fast can lead to regret.
God’s timing is perfect.
Waiting for the right person, the right season, and the right commitment is worth it.
True love is patient, allowing God to shape the relationship into something beautiful.
Love Is Not About Perfection
No relationship is perfect.
Every couple faces challenges, disagreements, and struggles.
But love is not about finding a perfect person—it is about loving someone despite their imperfections.
Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Romantic love requires grace.
There will be times when mistakes are made, when words are said that shouldn’t be, when emotions run high.
But love chooses to forgive.
Love does not give up when things get hard.
Love works through the difficulties, growing stronger along the way.
Love Is a Commitment
Real love is not temporary.
It is not something that fades when circumstances change.
Romans 12:9 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Love is a commitment to stand by someone’s side.
Through good times and bad.
Through joy and sorrow.
The world often teaches that love is about what makes you happy in the moment.
But biblical love is about staying committed, even when things aren’t easy.
That kind of love lasts.
God’s Love Is the Ultimate Example
At the end of the day, the best way to understand romantic love is to look at God’s love.
1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
God’s love is unconditional.
It does not change based on how we act or what we do.
It is faithful, constant, and true.
When we experience God’s love, it changes how we love others.
It teaches us patience, kindness, and sacrifice.
The more we grow in God’s love, the better we become at loving others.
Romantic love is a beautiful gift.
But it is meant to be shaped by God’s example, not the world’s definition.
Final Thoughts
The Bible has a lot to say about romantic love.
It teaches that love is more than emotions—it is a commitment, a choice, and a reflection of God’s own love.
Real love is built on trust, respect, patience, and purity.
It is not about finding someone perfect, but about loving someone the way God calls us to love.
If you are in a relationship, seek to love in a way that honors God.
If you are waiting for love, trust that God’s timing is perfect.
And if you have experienced heartbreak, remember that God’s love never fails.
He is the ultimate source of love, and through Him, we can learn to love others in the way He intended.