Love is multifaceted, and when it’s genuine, it manifests in ways that reflect the heart of God. True love isn’t just about feelings or grand gestures—it’s about consistent, selfless actions that demonstrate care, commitment, and character. Here are five types of lovers who truly embody what it means to love deeply and authentically.
1. The Servant Lover
A servant lover prioritizes the needs of their partner above their own desires. Inspired by Jesus’ example of washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15), this type of lover finds joy in serving and supporting their spouse. Whether it’s cooking a meal, running errands, or simply listening after a long day, they show love through practical acts of kindness. Philippians 2:3-4 captures this mindset perfectly: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” A servant lover builds trust and creates a foundation of mutual respect.
2. The Faithful Lover
Faithfulness is the hallmark of a lover who truly loves. This person remains steadfast through life’s ups and downs, refusing to give up when challenges arise. Ecclesiastes 9:9 encourages husbands to enjoy life with their wives “all the days of this meaningless life” because faithfulness honors both God and the covenant of marriage. The faithful lover keeps their promises, resists temptation, and chooses loyalty even when circumstances are tough. Their unwavering commitment becomes a safe haven for their partner.
3. The Encouraging Lover
An encouraging lover sees the best in their partner and actively affirms their strengths, dreams, and potential. They understand the power of words to build up or tear down (Proverbs 18:21) and use their speech to inspire confidence and hope. When struggles arise, they remind their spouse of God’s faithfulness and encourage them not to lose heart. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” An encouraging lover empowers their partner to grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
4. The Sacrificial Lover
True love involves sacrifice—a willingness to lay down personal comfort, time, or preferences for the sake of the other. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church—by giving Himself up for her. But sacrificial love isn’t limited to husbands; anyone can embody this principle. A sacrificial lover puts aside selfishness, forgives readily, and invests deeply in their partner’s well-being. Their love reflects the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who gave everything for us.
5. The Praying Lover
A praying lover understands the spiritual dimension of love and consistently seeks God on behalf of their relationship. They recognize that human effort alone cannot sustain a marriage or partnership—it requires divine intervention. James 5:16 reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” By praying together and individually, the praying lover invites God into every aspect of their union. They intercede during trials, thank God for blessings, and ask for wisdom to navigate challenges. This kind of love is rooted in dependence on God and strengthens the bond between partners.
These five types of lovers—servant, faithful, encouraging, sacrificial, and praying—are united by their commitment to loving well. Each one reflects a facet of God’s unconditional love for us, reminding us that true love is less about romance and more about action.
If you want to be a lover who truly loves, consider which of these qualities you can cultivate further in your relationships. Whether you’re married, dating, or preparing for future relationships, strive to model Christlike love in all you do. After all, love is not just something we feel—it’s something we live out daily, leaving an eternal impact on those around us.
As 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 beautifully describes, love is patient, kind, enduring, and hopeful. May you embrace these qualities and become the kind of lover who reflects God’s heart to the world.
You started the relationship with joy. The butterflies were flying, prayers were loud, and everything felt like a dream come true.
But slowly, your devotion to God started fading. Your prayer life grew cold. The fire you once had started burning low, all because of love.
Get on the seat and let’s gist. Look, it’s easy to get so caught up in someone that you forget the One who gave them to you.
Dating was never supposed to pull you away from God; it’s supposed to pull you both closer to Him. Any relationship that weakens your spiritual life is not a blessing; it’s a distraction.
Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” That means even while dating, your fire should still be burning. Your altar should still be alive.
If your relationship is costing you your connection with God, it’s too expensive. Love shouldn’t make you skip devotionals. It shouldn’t make you hide. It shouldn’t silence your convictions. True love doesn’t compete with God.
Don’t fall for the lie that says, “It’s just a season” or “It will get better.” Many have carried spiritual dryness into marriage because they never checked it during dating.
Pray together, yes. Also, pray alone.
Talk about your future, yes. Also, grow in your personal walk.
Love them deeply, but love God deeper.
You don’t have to choose between love and fire. You can have both when the relationship is built on the right foundation.
So, if you feel your fire slipping;
Pause
Reconnect
Return to your first love.
No matter how amazing they are, only God can satisfy your soul. You’re not just dating for fun, you’re dating for purpose, and purpose starts with staying connected to the One who holds it all together.
Imagine you’re at a dinner table, having a deep and meaningful conversation with someone you love. The atmosphere is just right, the emotions are real, and everything feels perfect. But have you ever stopped to ask, Is God even invited to this table?
A lot of people trust God with their careers, finances, health, provision, etc but when it comes to relationships, they like to take matters into their own hands. They pray, “Lord, bless this relationship,” but deep down, they already know they didn’t ask Him before getting into it.
The first relationship in the Bible didn’t start with two people finding each other rather it started with one person walking with God. Before Adam ever met Eve, he had a personal relationship with God (Genesis 2:18-22). That means before you start thinking about who to date or marry, the real question is: Where does God stand in your life?
Not every relationship that feels right is from God. Samson thought Delilah was everything he wanted, but in the end, that love story cost him his strength, his vision, and his purpose (Judges 16). If emotions are leading you instead of God, you might be walking into something that looks good but is quietly pulling you away from Him.
Here’s a reality check: If you have to constantly justify red flags, hide certain things from people who care about you, or feel spiritually drained, that’s not God’s best for you. Relationships built on compromise never stand the test of time.
Ask yourself these questions: Did I really invite God into this relationship, or did I just hope He would go along with my choice? Is this relationship helping me grow in my faith, or is it quietly pulling me away? If I had to stand before God today, would I feel good about how I’ve handled this relationship? Your honest answers will tell you a lot. If you’re drifting further from God instead of getting closer to Him, maybe it’s time to pause, reevaluate, and let Him take the lead.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” — Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
At the end of the day, marriage is too important to get wrong. A relationship without God is like driving without direction, you might feel like you’re moving forward, but you have no idea where you’ll end up. Before you let someone sit at the table of your heart, make sure God is the One who set the table in the first place. If He’s not in it then it’s not worth it.
I hate to be the “killjoy” right now, but I’m just helping you. Listen. Sometimes, what we call “love” isn’t really love. It’s just a craving for attention that is being met. You’re screaming “You’re in love with so, so, and so” but it may just be you enjoying the calls, the sweet messages, and the compliments. The attention creates a mirage that makes you believe you’re in love. But my question to you is: if the attention disappears, would the love still remain? Is the love hanging on any other thing aside from the attention?
My dear singles, it’s easy to mistake affection for true connection. Someone gives you attention, and suddenly, you feel special and in love. (And the bad guys know this; so if they want to get you, they give you attention.)
But be careful, my dear—are you really in love with the person or just the way they make you feel? Attention is temporary; true love is built on character, shared values, and commitment. If you strip away the sweet words, is something real between you two? Do your values align? Do you like his/her character? Are they godly? Today, I dare you to strip off the feelings and sweet words, and see if you will find something deeper in that relationship. This is one way to know if you truly love this person or if you are just falling because of the attention you’re receiving.
And for my married couples, attention from outside your marriage can be dangerous. Very very dangerous! Extremely dangerous! A simple compliment from someone else might feel exciting, especially if things at home feel a bit dry. But don’t allow a simple moment of attention to make you forget the love and home you’ve already built. Remember your covenant. A stranger’s admiration is never worth the destruction of a covenant. Oh, I hear you say there’s nothing physical between you two. Well, it’s called an emotional affair. Even Jesus warned that you don’t need to get physical to get physical—once your emotions are entangled and lust is birthed, you’re already in it.
It’s time to flee! Instead of seeking attention elsewhere, invest that energy into your spouse—flirt with them, appreciate them, and rekindle the excitement within your own marriage.
This is a call for us all to guard our hearts, just as the bible instructs:
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23
Not every form of attention is good for you. Don’t ever mistake temporary excitement for lasting love.
Singles, don’t marry just because of attention. Couples, don’t dishonor your marital covenant simply because of attention. Real love isn’t about who makes you feel special for a moment—it’s about who stays and chooses you, every single day. Look inward and work out your marriage with fear and trembling.
Dear people, let’s talk about something real: Song of Solomon 8:4 says, “Don’t wake up love before its time.” Basically? Love isn’t meant to be rushed, forced, or treated lightly. It’s sacred—and so are you.
Our world often tells us to “go for it” when it comes to relationships, but God’s Word offers a better way: chastity.
This isn’t about rules or shame. It’s about protecting your heart (and someone else’s) like a treasure. Think of it like this: if love is a beautiful flower, chastity is the fence that keeps it safe from being trampled.
Choosing purity isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Every time you say “no” to pressure or impulsive decisions, you’re saying “yes” to God’s best plan. It’s like training your heart to trust Him, even when feelings get messy.
And guess what? God doesn’t leave you hanging. He gives you people to lean on, Scripture to guide you, and His Holy Spirit to remind you that you’re never alone.
Here’s the truth: your body and heart matter. They’re not meant for casual use but for a love that’s deep, committed, and timed by God. So set boundaries.
Pray for courage. Surround yourself with friends who lift you up. And when you mess up? Remember, grace is bigger than any mistake.
God, help me slow down and trust Your timing. Give me the strength to honor You with my choices, and remind me that true love is always worth waiting for. Amen.
Purity isn’t about being “perfect”—it’s about being purposeful. Protect your heart because God’s plans for you (and your future relationships) are always good.
