A Time for Love
Jump to: TopicalGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
The phrase "A Time for Love" is derived from the biblical concept of seasons and times for every purpose under heaven, as articulated in the book of Ecclesiastes. This entry explores the biblical understanding of love as a divinely appointed season, its implications in human relationships, and its theological significance.

Biblical Context:
The primary scriptural reference for "A Time for Love" is found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, a passage that poetically enumerates various times and seasons in life. Ecclesiastes 3:8 states, "a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace." This verse is part of a larger passage that reflects on the cyclical nature of human experiences and the divine orchestration of time.

Theological Significance:
In the biblical worldview, love is not merely an emotion but a profound commitment and action that reflects God's nature. The Bible presents love as a central theme, with God Himself described as love (1 John 4:8). The "time for love" can be understood as moments or seasons in life where love is to be expressed, nurtured, and prioritized.

Expressions of Love:
1. Divine Love: God's love for humanity is unconditional and sacrificial, exemplified in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This divine love sets the standard for human expressions of love.

2. Human Relationships: The Bible emphasizes love in various human relationships, including marital love, familial love, and love for neighbors and enemies. Ephesians 5:25 instructs, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her," highlighting sacrificial love in marriage.

3. Community and Brotherhood: Love within the community of believers is a testament to their faith. John 13:34-35 records Jesus' command, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."

Practical Implications:
The "time for love" calls believers to discern and embrace opportunities to demonstrate love in their daily lives. This includes acts of kindness, forgiveness, and service, reflecting the love of Christ to others. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, provides a detailed description of love's attributes, emphasizing patience, kindness, and truth.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not explicitly define a specific "time for love," it underscores the importance of love as a continual and essential aspect of the Christian life. Believers are encouraged to recognize and seize the moments appointed for love, aligning their actions with God's eternal purpose and character.
Topical Bible Verses
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Topicalbible.org

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 15:11-32
And he said, A certain man had two sons:
Topicalbible.org

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Topicalbible.org

John 17:1-26
These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you:
Topicalbible.org

Greek
5389. philotimeomai -- to love or seek after honor
... from a comp. of philos and time Definition to love or seek after honor NASB Word
Usage aspired (1), have as our ambition (1), make it your ambition (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5389.htm - 7k

5362. philandros -- loving men, (of a wife) loving her husband
... a wife") -- properly, the special affection of a woman for her life-time mate (husband ...
men, (of a wife) loving her husband NASB Word Usage love their husbands (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5362.htm - 7k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... Gal 5:22,23: " 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,. ... 2 Thes 1:11:
"To this end (glorification) – indeed each time we pray about () you for the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

Love and Time. September 4.
... Love and Time. September 4. Love proves its spiritual origin by rising
above time and space and circumstance, wealth and age, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /love and time september 4.htm

How and in what Time I came to Solitary Life: and of the Song of ...
... The door forsooth yet biding open, nearly a year passed until the time in which
the heat of everlasting love was verily felt in my heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xv how and in.htm

That God's Love is to be Mingled with Ilk Time and Deed nor Fails ...
... BOOK II CHAPTER X THAT GOD'S LOVE IS TO BE MINGLED WITH ILK TIME AND DEED NOR FAILS
NOT FOR WEAL OR WOE, AND OF THE WORTHINESS AND THE GAINING THEREOF: AND OF ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter x that gods love.htm

Can it at any Time or Place be Unjust to Love God with all His...
... Book III Chapter VIII Can it at any time or place be unjust to love God
with all his? Can it at any time or place be unjust to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter viii can it at.htm

The Tyrants who in the West at that Time Rebelled against Honorius ...
... Book IX. Chapter XI."The Tyrants who in the West at that Time rebelled against Honorius.
They are wholly destroyed on account of the Emperor's Love of God. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xi the tyrants who in.htm

Jesus and his Mother.
... It is a good while before the child becomes conscious of the wondrous love that
is bending over it, yet all the time the love is growing in depth and tenderness ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter ii jesus and his.htm

Revelations of Divine Love
... that time ". CHAPTER XX "For every man's sin that shall be saved He suffered, and
every man's sorrow and desolation He saw, and sorrowed for Kinship and Love". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/julian/revelations of divine love/

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... And now to make an end: mark here who gave this precept of love"Christ our
Savior Himself. When and at what time? At His departing ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

The Fire of Love
... CHAPTER X THAT GOD'S LOVE IS TO BE MINGLED WITH ILK TIME AND DEED NOR FAILS NOT
FOR WEAL OR WOE, AND OF THE WORTHINESS AND THE GAINING THEREOF: AND OF TEARS ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/

Love and Discernment.
... the same Spirit the Lord Jesus Christ bestows upon those who love Him with ... true,
genuine, sincere, "transparent." "Motive makes the man," and from time to time ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ix love and discernment.htm

Resources
A: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
A Time for Everything
Top of Page
Top of Page