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. While this brand of love cannot be found exclusively within the text of Romans, it is worth mentioning because this is the Type of love that Paul set forth before the minds of his converts on a regular basis. He felt that the goal of this "agapeistic love" could only be achieved through the help of the Spirit (God Himself). Without "agape," all spiritual gifts or accomplishments appear very small (Dictionary of the Bible, p. 593-594). In a sense, this love was like a challenge to always take heed to live the best life possible in honor of the Christ who died for our sins (Dictionary of the Bible, p. 593-594).
Knowing the three basic requirements of love set down by Paul in Romans, it becomes easy to cite verses from the text that fit into his categories. Love of God is clear in examining Romans 8:28 and 12:9-10. In Romans 8:28 Paul writes: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to God's purpose (NSRV, p. 165). Here, Paul concedes that the Spirit of God intercedes in our prayers and understands what it is that is asked for (Interpreter's Bible, p. 524). This is because of a Christian's reverence and acknowledgement that God is to be loved above all else.
Textual support for the second requirement of love can be found in Romans 5:8 and 8:35. "But God proves his love in that while we still were sinners Christ died for uswho will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, Will distress?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (NSRV, p. 162, 165) In both of these passages, Paul conveys the notion while attachment to Christ may bring suffering to some, it is necessary to recognize the fact that Christ's love for his brethren is a reality and that he died a way of escape could be opened for future sinners (Interpreter's Bible, p. 458). As a result, people should be equally grateful for both God and Christ for the lives that they are able to lead in present day society.
Finally, the need for Christians to be inclusive in matters of love is illustrated in Romans 13:8-10. Here, Paul declares that one can never rid oneself of the "debt of love." While he believes a person can rid oneself of monetary debts by paying them, the obligation to love others is everlasting and never diminishes in importance. Moreover, the love we show to those around us is not our love, but rather the love that is bestowed upon us by God to be shared (Interpreter's Bible, p. 605. 608).
The mandates for love that Paul records in his letter to the Romans reflect not only his ideal vision of love, but also the change of focus that transpires between Old and New Testament Times. Reverence for Christ and his followers is highlighted and given support throughout the text in question. While this is not the sole image of love that Paul casts in his letters, it is the one that is discussed in considerable detail and is worthy of attention because of the place that it occupies in the minds of those both past and present.
Works Cited:
A Dictionary of the Bible, edited by James Hastings. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York: 1963.
Interpreter's Bible, Volume 9. Cokesberry Press, New York: 1954.
The New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Oxford University Press, New York: 1989.