Love—found 668 times in 568 verses
Variations: beloved, beloved’s, love, loved, lovedst, lovely, lover, lovers, loves, lovest, loveth, loving, lovingkindness, lovingkindnesses
First usage: Genesis 22:2 (lovest)
Last usage: Revelation 22:15 (loveth)
Defined: to cherish, delight in, or to approve
Interesting fact: In both the Old and New Testaments, the first usage of the word love declares the love of a father for his son. In the Old Testament, Abraham is told, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah” (Genesis 22:2). In the New Testament, God the Father says of God the Son, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This is no accident but providentially designed by a God that never wastes words or lacks purpose.
Bible study tip: Matthew 12:18 is a quote originating from Isaiah 42:1. As is often the case, this scenario offers a great opportunity to glean understanding on the Bible definitions of several words. It takes a little work, but is well worth the effort. Note the interchanging of the words chosen (Matthew 12:18) for uphold (Isaiah 42:1), beloved (Matthew 12:18) for elect (Isaiah 42:1), well pleased (Matthew 12:18) for delighteth (Isaiah 42:1), and shew (Matthew 12:18) for bring forth (Isaiah 42:1). God purposed that we glean a greater understanding with these interchangeable words within their context. The connection of beloved and elect is especially insightful.
Sunday, Day 176—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 177—What Is Love?
Tuesday, Day 178—The Love of the Father for the Son
Wednesday, Day 179—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 180—Giving: The Truest Fruit of Love
Friday, Day 181—Expressions of Love
Saturday, Day 182—Ungodly Love
Day 176: Church Day
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.