This is the first installment of a four-part series, exploring four attributes of biblical love that are challenging but ultimately rewarding in growing our faith and capacity to love like Christ. Our series will cover:
The phrase “head over heels in love” is famously linked to American frontiersman Davy Crockett—best known for his role in the defense of the Alamo, his legendary storytelling, and his larger-than-life adventures. In his autobiography, A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett of the State of Tennessee (1834), he recalls falling for his first wife, Polly Finley, using these words:
“I soon found myself head over heels in love with this girl.”
Davy Crockett
While Crockett didn’t coin the phrase, his use of it helped popularize it in American culture. His memoir, filled with tales of wilderness survival and personal triumphs, gave this now-common expression an early foothold in the language of romance.
The phrase first appeared in the fourteenth century as “heels over head,” describing the sensation of being completely flipped upside down—much like performing a cartwheel or somersault. It captured the idea of being thrown into chaos, disoriented, and completely off balance. By the eighteenth century, the phrase had shifted to “head over heels,” and it became synonymous with falling madly in love.
Have you ever been head over heels in love with someone? Or perhaps you’ve felt the sting of love gone wrong? Love is a thrilling, messy, and profoundly human experience—full of emotions, heavy with expectations, and desirous of connection. While heartbreak can leave scars, it also teaches us about ourselves, our desires, and what truly matters in relationships. At the core, we all long to be deeply loved—the kind of love that doesn’t just turn us topsy-turvy but grounds us in something real.
Today, the idea of love is often romanticized and overhyped, leaving many with a skewed and unrealistic view of what love truly is. Society tends to portray love as an intense, all-consuming spark—a powerful rush at the start of a relationship that’s expected to sustain it through every challenge. But here’s the problem: the stories we celebrate rarely focus on what comes next. They glorify the fireworks of new romance but rarely highlight the stronger, lasting love that grows through commitment, sacrifice, and shared experiences.
With so many shifting ideas about love throughout history, how can we distinguish genuine love? The best way to find the answer is to turn to the Bible. We often hear the phrase “God is love,” but what does that really mean? Genuine love is far more than just a feeling or physical attraction—it’s deeper, richer, and more transformative.
In 1 Corinthians 13:6, the Greek word for love is agape. The Greek language offers several words for love, each capturing a different kind of bond or affection. But agape stands above them all—it is devoted, selfless, and volitional. Unlike fleeting emotions or self-serving affections, it is a decision and a commitment, seeking the highest good for others, regardless of the circumstances or cost. Agape love is the purest expression of love, reflecting the very nature of God himself.
Agape love isn’t about blind affirmation—it’s about aligning love with truth. As theologian Timothy Keller explains:
“Love without truth is mere sentimentality—it makes us feel good but keeps us from facing reality. Truth without love is harshness—it may be correct, but it’s delivered in a way that pushes people away.” [1]
Tim Keller
To have “true” love, our love must be grounded in the truth of God’s Word and reflect the full depth of the fruit of the Spirit.
The first true love we need to find is that of Jesus. Jesus embodies both truth and love perfectly. His love is radically truthful about who we are as sinners, yet He is unwavering in his commitment to us. So much so that He chose to die on the cross for our sins to reconcile us to him. In him, we find a love that sees us fully, challenges us deeply, and embraces us completely. This is what makes God’s love so incredible—it’s infinite, unfailing, and rooted in his character, not in our own worthiness. No matter how many times we stumble, his love never wavers. Unlike human love, which can be fickle and fleeting, God’s love remains steadfast and enduring.
If you ever need a reminder of God’s agape love, look to the Psalms. They are filled with powerful declarations of his faithfulness, mercy, and never-ending love. Here are just a few to reflect on:
Once we understand the depth of God’s true love for us, we can ask God for the strength to love as He loves. Let’s decide today to show someone some agape!
Reflection: Which of the verses above resonates with you today? Say the verse aloud several times and meditate on it throughout the day.
Take Action: How can you choose to show the love of Christ to someone today? Tell us in the comments below!
[1] Keller, Timothy and Kathy Keller. The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God. New York, Dutton, 2011.
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