Bible – The Bible Society of Lesotho

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Love and relationships are important aspects of life, especially for younger generations navigating friendships, family dynamics, dating, and social connections. In a world where love is often portrayed in a confusing, fleeting, or superficial way, the Bible offers clear and timeless wisdom on what love truly means and how to build healthy relationships.

Here are seven Bible verses that will help guide you through the complexities of love and relationships.

1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — “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.”

In a world that sometimes focuses on instant gratification and fleeting emotions, the Bible reminds us that love is more about giving than receiving. Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice to act with kindness and humility, even when it’s hard.

2. Matthew 22:37-39 — “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Jesus simplifies love and relationships into two commandments: loving God first and then loving others. When your relationships are rooted in love for God, they will naturally reflect a love that values and respects others.

3. Proverbs 17:17 — “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Friendships and community are crucial, especially for the younger generation navigating through life’s challenges. Genuine friends love in every season, not just when it’s easy or convenient. They are there to support you during difficult times, and they offer strength and encouragement when you need it most.

4. 1 John 4:18 — “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

Many young people experience anxiety, fear, or insecurity in relationships, whether it’s fear of rejection, fear of not being enough, or fear of vulnerability. But this verse reminds us that real love, the kind of love God gives, casts out fear. In healthy relationships, love should create a sense of safety, not fear or insecurity. When you’re in a relationship that reflects God’s love, you will feel valued and cherished, not afraid or anxious.

5. Ephesians 4:2-3 — “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

In a world where arguments and conflict are common, these verses from Ephesians encourage us to practice humility, patience, and unity in our relationships. It’s not always easy, but maintaining peace and working toward understanding are key aspects of healthy connections. Love isn’t about always being right; sometimes it’s about listening, understanding, and choosing peace over conflict.

6. Song of Solomon 8:4 — “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”

For young people, particularly in the context of dating and romantic relationships, this verse offers wisdom about timing and patience. Culture often pressures young people to rush into relationships or equates physical attraction with love. However, the Bible encourages us to wait for the right timing, to allow love to grow naturally and genuinely, without rushing into anything prematurely. This ensures that relationships are based on genuine connection and mutual respect.

7. Romans 12:10 — “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Instead of asking, “What can I get out of this relationship?” we are encouraged to honor and respect others, putting their needs ahead of our own. True love is about devotion and commitment, not just convenience or personal gain. When you prioritize honoring others, you build relationships that are strong, meaningful, and lasting.

Conclusion

Navigating love and relationships as a young person can be challenging, especially in a world filled with mixed messages about what love is and how relationships should work. However, these Bible verses provide a clear and countercultural view of love: one that is selfless, patient, kind, and enduring. Love isn’t just about feelings, it’s about action, commitment, and putting others before yourself. When your relationships are rooted in these principles, they will flourish in ways that bring fulfillment, joy, and peace. So, take these truths with you as you navigate love and relationships, always remembering that God’s love is the foundation of all healthy connections.

Love and Relationships: 7 Bible Verses for Today’s Youth

I charge you, O daughters of Ierusale, that you stir not vp, nor waken my loue, vntil she please. 5 (Who is this that commeth vp out of the wildernesse, leaning vpon her welbeloued?) I raysed thee vp vnder an apple tree: there thy mother conceiued thee: there she coceiued that bare thee. 6 Set mee as a seale on thine heart, and as a signet vpon thine arme: for loue is strong as death: ielousie is cruel as the graue: the coles thereof are fierie coles, and a vehement flame. 7 Much water can not quench loue, neither can the floods drowne it: If a man should giue all the substance of his house for loue, they would greatly contemne it. 8 Wee haue a litle sister, and she hath no breastes: what shall we do for our sister when she shalbe spoken for? 9 If shee be a wall, we will builde vpon her a siluer palace: and if she be a doore, we wil keepe her in with bordes of cedar. 10 I am a wall, and my breasts are as towres: then was I in his eyes as one that findeth peace. 11 Salomon had a vine in Baal-hamon: hee gaue the vineyarde vnto keepers: euery one bringeth for ye fruite thereof a thousand pieces of siluer. 12 But my vineyarde which is mine, is before me: to thee, O Salomon appertaineth a thousand pieces of siluer, and two hundreth to them that keepe the fruite thereof. 13 O thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken vnto thy voyce: cause me to heare it. 14 O my welbeloued, flee away, and be like vnto the roe, or to the yong harte vpon ye mountaines of spices.

1 Oh that thou werest as my brother that sucked the brestes of my mother: I would finde thee without, I would kisse thee, then they should not despise thee. 2 I will leade thee and bring thee into my mothers house: there thou shalt teache me: and I will cause thee to drinke spiced wine, and newe wine of the pomegranate. 3 His left hand shalbe vnder mine head, and his right hand shall embrace me. 4 I charge you, O daughters of Ierusale, that you stir not vp, nor waken my loue, vntil she please. 5 (Who is this that commeth vp out of the wildernesse, leaning vpon her welbeloued?) I raysed thee vp vnder an apple tree: there thy mother conceiued thee: there she coceiued that bare thee. 6 Set mee as a seale on thine heart, and as a signet vpon thine arme: for loue is strong as death: ielousie is cruel as the graue: the coles thereof are fierie coles, and a vehement flame. 7 Much water can not quench loue, neither can the floods drowne it: If a man should giue all the substance of his house for loue, they would greatly contemne it. 8 Wee haue a litle sister, and she hath no breastes: what shall we do for our sister when she shalbe spoken for? 9 If shee be a wall, we will builde vpon her a siluer palace: and if she be a doore, we wil keepe her in with bordes of cedar. 10 I am a wall, and my breasts are as towres: then was I in his eyes as one that findeth peace. 11 Salomon had a vine in Baal-hamon: hee gaue the vineyarde vnto keepers: euery one bringeth for ye fruite thereof a thousand pieces of siluer. 12 But my vineyarde which is mine, is before me: to thee, O Salomon appertaineth a thousand pieces of siluer, and two hundreth to them that keepe the fruite thereof. 13 O thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken vnto thy voyce: cause me to heare it. 14 O my welbeloued, flee away, and be like vnto the roe, or to the yong harte vpon ye mountaines of spices.