“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9
The Command to Love
We are often reminded in Scripture that love is a fundamental command from God. Love is not limited or conditional; rather, it is expansive and generous. We must strive to embody this love daily. By loving selflessly, we honor not just our own hearts but also reflect God’s love for us. The Bible compels us to think about how we can extend our hearts beyond boundaries, knowing that love for multiple people is possible when it is rooted in genuine care and respect.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:39
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
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.” – 1 John 4:7
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Understanding Love’s Nature
When it comes to understanding how we can love more than one person, we must recognize the nature of love itself. Love does not diminish when shared; rather, it multiplies and enriches our lives. Loving multiple people—friends, family, or community—can reflect a deeper understanding of how God’s love encompasses all of us. We are called to love in such a way that it builds up those around us, creating a web of support and kindness that honors each person’s unique value.
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Song of Solomon 8:6
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.” – Song of Solomon 8:6
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Love and Community
Loving more than one person encourages us to engage with our community. In our interactions, we find opportunities to grow in love and understanding as we care for each other. Community is built on love, which binds us together in unity. Let us be open to loving everyone around us, creating a supportive environment where all feel included and valued. This love can be transformative not only for us but for those we reach out to as well.
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Acts 2:44
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:44
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
1 Thessalonians 3:12
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:12
Love in Action
Let us remember that love is not just a feeling; it is an action. How we choose to express love in our lives, whether to one person or many, matters immensely. We can show love through our words, actions, and gestures, creating a life that reflects God’s unending love. By actively loving others in both big and small ways, we can embody what it truly means to show love, transcending simple emotions.
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” – James 2:15-16
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” – Romans 15:1
God’s Unconditional Love
God’s love for us is the ultimate example of loving more than one person. He loves each of us individually while also loving us as a collective. This divine love is unconditional and never changes. We are invited to mirror that love in our own relationships. Remembering how much we are loved helps us to love others more deeply and genuinely, breaking down barriers that may prevent us from loving fully.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Psalm 136:26
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:26
Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.'” – Jeremiah 31:3
Embracing Love’s Diversity
As we love more than one person, we come to see the beauty in love’s diversity. Each relationship we forge is unique and special. By cherishing these differences in our relationships, we enrich our lives and create a tapestry of experiences that elevate our capacity to love. God’s creation is full of diversity, and our love can reflect that spectrum by being compassionate and adaptable towards many.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:17
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of loving more than one person, we realize that love is a gift we can freely share. God’s love guides us to embrace this concept in our lives, reminding us that our hearts have the capacity for limitless love. Through understanding, action, and community, we align ourselves with God’s command to love unconditionally. Each person we encounter matters greatly, and by choosing to love deeply, we can bring joy and hope to those around us.
Let’s remember that relationships are a blend of different experiences. As we open our hearts and engage with many, we echo God’s love in the world. If you’re interested in exploring more on how love fits into various contexts, consider diving into topics such as gay marriage in the New Testament or the view of gay marriage being wrong.