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The Image of Love Presented By Paul in Romans

Love is an issue that is discussed at length in the Bible. It takes on various connotations that are dependent upon both the perspective of the writer and the community to which he is she addresses the writings. Furthermore, love's image differs from Old to New Testament. It is the New Testament where Paul's works appear and where these writings and others help to create a meaning for love that had not been seen previously. This fresh approach to love put reverence for Christ and Christian brethren before all else.

In Romans, which is just one of the letters written by Paul, this general definition for love is clearly illustrated. The first aspect of this renewed aspect for Christ and his brethren, the love of God, is evidenced in Romans 2:4. Here, it is stated "Do you not realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (NRSV, p. 159). Kindness is synonymous with love in this passage and is intended to urge those that profess to love God to repent by letting Christ dwell in their hearts. If Christians are successful, then this love of Christ will unite all who believe and will be manifested through God's dealings with man on a personal level (Dictionary of the Bible, p. 593-594). This initial aspect of love is significant not only because it reveals the specialized way in which Paul uses love, but it also makes humankind its promise that if this type of love is exercised, then all will be able to see results in the bounty of the Earth and in Divine Providence (Dictionary of the Bible, p. 593-594).

The love of Christians toward God and Christ is the second part of love that is dealt with in Romans. In Romans 5:5 where it is stated, "And the hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (NSRV, p. 162), Paul refers directly to Spirit itself. For Paul, it is God who implements His own spirit into the hearts of Christ's followers. This spirit replaces any dependence that Christians may have had on material things such as money or the self for pleasure. Furthermore, any unbelief (or that which opposes faith) is inconsistent with the love one should have for God and may lead to persecution (Dictionary of the Bible, p. 593-594).

A third element of love that is required of Christians in Paul's definition of love is a Christian love for all humankind. This love is specifically aimed at, but not limited to, other Christians themselves.

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