Torah Road

Blog Series: “What Love Is”

Shalom friends,

Last time, we explored what love is—steadfast, sacrificial, and rooted in Torah. But to truly understand love, we also need to name what it’s not. Because Scripture doesn’t just define love by what it does—it also draws boundaries around what love refuses to do.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered…”

Let’s unpack that through a Messianic lens—grounded in Torah and illuminated by Yeshua’s example.

🚫 What Love Is Not: Biblical Snapshots

• Love is not jealous
  Hebrew: קִנְאָה (qin·’āh)
  Cain’s jealousy of Abel led to murder (Genesis 4:5–8). Love doesn’t compare—it celebrates others.
• Love is not boastful or arrogant
  Hebrew: גַּאֲוָה (ga·’ă·vāh)
  Pharaoh’s pride hardened his heart (Exodus 9:17). Love listens—it doesn’t dominate.
• Love does not shame or dishonor
  Hebrew: בּוּשָׁה (bu·shāh)
  Noah’s son Ham exposed his father’s nakedness (Genesis 9:22). Love covers—not to hide sin, but to protect dignity.
• Love is not self-seeking
  Hebrew: בֶּצַע (be·tsa) – “greedy gain”
  Balaam chased reward over righteousness (Numbers 22:7). Love serves—it doesn’t manipulate.
• Love is not easily provoked
  Hebrew: כַּעַס (ka·‘as) – “anger”
  Saul’s rage toward David (1 Samuel 18:8–9) shows how insecurity poisons love. True love is slow to anger.

🧮 But Doesn’t Love Keep Score?

Actually… yes. But not the way most people think.

Love doesn’t keep score of offenses (1 Corinthians 13:5), but it does keep score of righteousness. In Hebrew, the word for “remember” is זָכַר (za·khar)—and YHVH uses it to recall covenant faithfulness.

• Malachi 3:16 – “A scroll of remembrance was written… for those who feared YHVH and honored His name.”
  Love remembers loyalty—not grudges.
• Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
  Love releases offense—but treasures obedience.

So yes, love keeps score—but it’s a holy ledger. It records mercy, not malice.

🪞 Self-Examination: Let’s Get Honest

1. Do I secretly celebrate when others fail—or do I intercede for them?
2. Do I use truth to shame—or to restore?
3. Do I love people for who they are—or for what they give me?

If these questions sting, good. That’s the Spirit inviting us to grow.

🛠️ Call to Action: Love That Refuses to Harm

This week, let’s practice love by subtraction:

• Subtract envy by blessing someone else’s success.
• Subtract pride by listening more than speaking.
• Subtract offense by forgiving someone who hasn’t apologized.

Love isn’t just about what we do—it’s about what we refuse to do. And when we strip away the noise, what remains is the quiet strength of Messiah’s love.

Stay tuned for Part 3: “Love Rejoices in Truth.”

Shalom and strength,
BeitOfTruth.org