Love is Selfless Shirt

I made this design while studying 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 4, and a bunch of the other places in the Bible that specifically talk about what love is. Here is a summary of my notes from that time that I’m using as my artist statement for this design:

What is love?

True love, as described in the Bible, is not about fleeting emotions or passions. The Bible uses the Greek word for love, “agape” -- an active, selfless, unconditional love that seeks the good of others, not based on feelings, but on choice. It’s not about what the object of love gives us, but rather our devotion to their good.

While you may love in a way that seeks the good of others, the love of God is unique and far deeper. 1 John says, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This love is holy and righteous, rejoicing in the truth and hating evil. God’s love is far greater than human understanding, and it is perfectly revealed through Jesus.

Here are four ways the magnitude of God’s Love is displayed in Jesus:

• We didn't deserve to be loved: We are sinners and enemies of God, deserving of His wrath. But while we were still sinners, He loved us.

• Our sin comes at an infinite cost: The Son of God took on the wrath of God for us, to pay the debt we could not pay.

• The good done for us: Jesus not only takes away our sin but He fills us with His righteousness. When God sees us, He sees His Son.

• God's desire for our good: God delights in the good of His children and promises eternal joy in His presence.

As recipients of God’s amazing love, we are called to love others. The Bible says, “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). True love is not just something we receive; it’s something we give. When we love others selflessly, we reflect God’s love in the world.

Do You Know This Love?

If you have not experienced God’s love, you are missing out on the greatest gift. God offers you eternal life, forgiveness of your sins, and the joy of being His child. But this love requires a response—faith in Jesus Christ. If you want to know true love, you must surrender to God, confess your sin, and accept Jesus as your Savior. When you do, you will experience the transforming power of God’s love in your life. And as you are filled with His love, you will share that love with others.