Is Falling In Love a Sin in the Bible?

Falling in love is a phrase that describes one’s emotional state when the joyful feelings associated with what is assumed to be love begin to grip the soul. The Bible does not mention falling in love, but it does talk a lot about love.

This post will discuss what love means in Bible and if “falling” in love is a sin.

The Different Kinds of Love

Although the Bible does not explicitly mention the term “falling in love,” it has much to say about love. It is critical to differentiate between various kinds of love.

Originally, the New Testament was written in Greek. In Greek, there are four terms for love:

  • agape (self-sacrificial love)
  • phileo (brotherly love or love between friends)
  • storge (familial or affectionate love)
  • eros (sexual or passionate love)

While the English word “love” encompasses a wide range of emotions, we recognize a significant difference between loving specific things, loving one’s parents, and loving one’s spouse.

What Falling In Love Means

Falling in love is frequently a mingling of various types of love. Most of the time, it’s more about lusting after someone or getting an emotional high (perhaps more like eros love).

Falling in love can also be defined as a genuine connection and belongingness, a feeling of knowing and being known, and a yearning to walk through life with one another.

Love is not a feeling; it is a choice. We decide to love our neighbor as ourselves (James 2:8). We can choose to express love through kindness, service, and compassion.

The world’s concept of “falling in love” is founded on solid feelings, deep emotions, and, scientifically, our hormonal reaction to someone we find attractive. There’s nothing wrong with having those feelings or being attracted to someone.

However, it is not love. What the world perceives as “falling in love” is more like the flash of emotions and excitement you get when you are attracted to someone.

Love should never be viewed based on feelings, convenience, or romantic attraction. The concept of “falling in love” emphasizes the emotional state of those involved. 

We are responsible for controlling our emotions. Many marriages have ended and foolishly started because of a wrong understanding of love.

According to 1 Corinthians 12:31. “the most excellent way” is love. Love is also patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4), and we don’t “accidentally” develop patience or kindness.

Love is not a state we accidentally stumble into; it is a commitment we develop. The more we learn and understand love, the more generous and selfless we will become (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10).

What Does the Bible Say About Love?

According to the Bible, humans were created for relationships with one another and with God (Genesis 2:18; Matthew 22:36–40). Not everyone is built for marriage, but the desire to be loved and to love is part of being human.

Marriage is an integral part of this love for many people. According to the Bible, marriage represents Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:22–33). 

The most remarkable example of love in the Bible is the sacrificial love God demonstrated by sending Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16). When Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than someone lay down his life for his friends,” He was referring to sacrificial love (John 15:13).

God’s love is flawless and will never change. He does not love and abandon us one day when we sin against Him again. According to Romans 5:8, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.”

Despite our sins, God chooses to love us. We can also choose to love regardless of our frustrations, emotions, or sinful tendencies.

It is not a sin to have passionate feelings for another person as long as you act according to God’s words.

As already mentioned, the Bible refers to the decision to love as the “most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). We should choose to love first and make decisions based on that love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Bottom Line

Love is a broad and complicated topic, and there are different kinds of love in the world. 

“Falling in love” is a delightful phrase that evokes pleasant emotions entering a perfect romance.

However, we must never forget that love is more than just an emotional attachment based on physical attraction. Those “falling in love” can be blinded to their situation’s reality and easily confuse their emotions’ intensity for genuine love.

Rather than waiting to fall in love with the ideal soulmate, live a life driven by pure love found only in God.

Pastor Christopher Turk
Pastor Christopher Turk

Christopher was the lead elder/pastor of the local Christian church in Penticton, British Columbia but he was forced to close his church due to a COVID-19 impact. He has a dedication to serving his Lord's church and a pulpit competence that honors the legacy of his predecessor. Christopher is a passionate visionary for the Lord and His Kingdom! His church ministry background spans over 30 years of full-time service. Support Christian by buying him a coffee.

Articles: 154